It might not be well known to many but Southampton city council has over 300 CCTVs that are manned 24 hours a day. All operate covering the parks, streets and most in between. This is a great ongoing effort from the local council but sadly over the last few months, we have heard about cuts to Police funding on a national scale. It is also difficult to criticise the continued efforts and hard work of our fine law enforcement community but the figures on funding are simply not adding up. Now with reports of rising crime across the country, it’s not always possible to rely on local authorities to protect your business.

This paints quite a worrying picture but not all is lost because at Veritech we can show you how to take full advantage of CCTV system when protecting your business.

1) Staff Protection.

The extra layer of security that CCTV provides on your business premises means your employees can feel safe at work. This obviously improves staff morale and performance but it also deters any criminal activity directed specifically at your staff. In customer-facing roles, it can even serve to deter aggressive customers from intimidating your staff.

2) Legal Prosecution.

If such unpleasant incidents occur then CCTV footage can serve as vital evidence for legal prosecution. It also works the same way for safeguarding stock at high-risk times for your business. This will help keep insurance premiums down. Heightened security efforts on your business premises are going to make insurance applications stronger too. We would also warn people about installing ‘dummy CCTV cameras’ for trying to deter criminals.

3) Prevent in store theft.

This can be more trouble than it’s worth for an employer. Basically, after an in-store theft, if an employee suffers a direct loss they could rely on the CCTV footage for personal insurance claims. When the dummy CCTV camera is revealed to be bogus, the employee could theoretically sue the business owner for false intentions. Dummy cameras simply don’t work.

Learn more about CCTV

4) Peace of mind.

If a customer doesn’t feel intimidated in your store, then they are likely to be more relaxed. A more relaxed customer means one who is more likely to take their time, therefore more likely to make a purchase decision. This additional level of safety can benefit your business.

5) Reduce the risk of vandalism.

You can’t always be at your business but CCTV cameras can. The added annoyance of vandalism in unsocial hours when you are away from your business is costly. Now an extra pair of eyes will reduce this risk by deterring any vandals, as long as the cameras are placed carefully. CCTV cameras need concise placements.

6) It’s cheap.

This is the thing, most people think security cameras are expensive but in an ever competitive market CCTV systems are not only getting cheaper but easier to install.

Why Your Business Needs an Alarm System

Crime has been on the rise in Hampshire for a few years now. A decent alarm system could be the only thing protecting your premises. Only last year there were reports of Hampshire county having the highest crime in the entire country. A recent story of how a teenager targeted vulnerable elderly citizens in the town of Romsey is still leaving the community in shock. We even reported in our last blog about how rural countryside areas are a target. Yes, crime seems to be rising beyond control everywhere you look in the south coast. The same can be said for other places no doubt and we all need to do our bit to protect our communities. The serious question remains though: How do you go about protecting your business and customers in your local community with limited time and resources?

So what is the answer?

Well, each situation is different and requires different techniques but ever since we started out in the security industry many years ago, we have found certain methods are best for most circumstances.

Here are Veritech’s Top 5 Security Techniques

1) Go wireless

We wrote in our blog last month how dummy CCTV cameras are counter productive to security because experienced criminals can spot if it’s real or not from wiring. Well, now with a wireless alarm control. They simply won’t know and might not risk it.

2) Go through the motion . . . detectors

You simply can’t be at your business premises 24/7. Not only can a motion detector protect your business from burglary but you can also keep an eye on vacant properties, avoiding unwanted long-term visitors. Some heat and motion detectors work quite long range too.

3) Bring your insurance premium down

It’s simple really. A one-off investment in a security system is going to keep your building and contents insurance much lower. CCTV systems can cost as little as £69 a week but one huge payment could see you paying out far less on a regular basis, no matter which way you look at it.

4) Looking after your interests.

There are legal benefits to having a security system, especially CCTV because if an employee or customer is the victim of crime, they will require visual evidence to back up any court prosecutions. It is your legal obligation as an employer. It is also great business sense.

5) Linked in

Most security systems can be linked to the local Police authority instantly, so every second an unwelcome intruder is on your business premises, they are a second closer to being captured. You can have your own security staff and spend as much time deterring criminals but once the boys in blue are on the scene, it’s game over.

The role of CCTV is crucial in a modern business. With the rising use of digital technology in crime, it’s hard to keep up. Trained security personnel are the backbone of the modern security industry but CCTV is an essential part of the surveillance toolkit. Unsurprisingly installing CCTV can have more of a positive effect on your business than you realise. It can monitor the daily customer interaction with staff. It can help analyse shopping behaviour patterns of your customers and even what products sell better and why. These are just the benefits to the retail sector. The possibilities are endless for other industries.

We at Veritech-systems have over a decade of expertise in the industry so we know the benefits of having an in-house CCTV system. It’s one of the most cost-effective and efficient means of security to protect any industry. It’s also worth remembering that CCTV security systems can be adapted for domestic use as well.

How CCTV helps staff morale

Many do not realise CCTV can also play a more proactive role in your business. Not only does it deter criminals but it can also raise workforce productivity. This is because it helps keep tabs on internal employee theft in a fair and unprejudiced manner. This heightened level of safety can also ensure a safe working environment raising workforce morale.

This alone will lead to naturally enhanced productivity.

The ability to record immaculately preserved and accurate documentation is also beneficial for legal proceedings, should any issues have to be resolved in court.

There is also the capacity to monitor potential crime scenes at anti-social times. For instance when security guard surveillance can be compromised by human downtime like sleep, hunger, boredom or even all three. Not to mention the opportunity to survey threats in scenarios with physically or volatile hazard.

If you are considering a CCTV system in your business. We can provide it for as little as £69 a week:

Where should I place CCTV Cameras?

Many business owners opt for CCTV video surveillance, to protect their employees, customers and valuables from costly theft. CCTV systems can catch movements and internal or external thefts. However, they can only capture these on video if they are placed correctly.

With any recording device, they have to be set up to point at their target, otherwise, they capture the insignificant surrounding area. A good CCTV system has to be matched by a good setup, and by that, we mean where it is placed.

This article aims to help business owners gather a better understanding of where to place their CCTV systems.

Identify your businesses vulnerable areas

This can be anything from an area that lacks visibility to an unsecured entry point. Poorly illuminated areas are often targeted as an entry point for theft to take place, because of the lack of visibility. Vulnerable areas include a place where a large quantity of money is kept. Businesses can design their CCTV systems to surveillance the businesses vulnerable areas and to act as a deterrent to onlookers.

Evaluate appropriate placements

Often before a theft takes place, the intruders will often survey the perimeter security, so they can evaluate the best access point. If they find that all the vulnerable access points are being monitored by CCTV systems, it will act as a deterrent.

Suggested placements around your business:

Places holding sensitive documents
Places holding the safe or money
Entry points/Access points
Walkways

REMEMBER privacy laws are in place! Here’s where you cannot place CCTV systems:

Dressing rooms
Exam rooms
Hotel Rooms
Locker Rooms
Restrooms

By placing your CCTV systems internally and externally you can monitor staff, customers, and on-goers.

CCTV systems need a professional setup

Make sure your CCTV systems are properly installed and professionally handled. Over time we’ve noticed some disastrous security setups. The most common setup mistakes include:

Improper camera placement – businesses should make sure there is a strong wifi connection where they intend to set up their CCTV systems, as well as a clear view of the monitored area. Avoid places of decreased visibility, such as obstacles (i.e. trees) or bright lights.
Lack of remote access capabilities – business owners should be able to monitor their CCTV systems from anywhere at any times, using a computer or mobile device.
Lack of coverage – multiple CCTV systems can ensure that all areas are covered, whilst monitoring high-risk areas.
Weak or no password security – Businesses should ALWAYS password-protect all surveillance systems, to prevent cyber attacks.

A good quality CCTV system can prevent loss and serve as a valuable asset to your business, but only when it is installed correctly. Avoid making costly mistakes that could compromise your businesses security. Choose a trusted security provider.

By choosing Veritech you can trust that your business security is in safe hands. Working with you, our specialists will design the perfect security plan and survey your perimeter security for FREE. For more information talk to one of our security experts, by calling 02380 000 400 or Contact Us