As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of your employees, customers, and your property. Keeping your business safe should be at the top of your list of priorities, but it can be tough to know where to start.
Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property, and they can be a great deterrent to crime. Here are a few tips for keeping your business safe with security cameras.
Select the Right Cameras
The first step in selecting the right security cameras for your business is to determine your needs, so that you can select the right cameras for your business.
What do you need to see?
Where do you need to see it?
How many cameras do you need?
There are a variety of cameras on the market, each with its own set of features. Some things to consider when selecting cameras include:
- The field of view you need
- The resolution you need
- The type of lighting in the area
- Whether you need night vision
Choose the Right Location for Your Cameras
When it comes to security cameras, placement is everything. You want to make sure your cameras are positioned in a way that allows them to get a clear view of all the key areas of your business.
The front door is a obvious choice, but don’t stop there. You also want to cover any back entrances, windows, and parking areas. And if you have an office or storeroom that contains valuable equipment or inventory, you’ll want to make sure that area is under surveillance as well.
- Camera placement should be based on your specific security needs and the layout of your property.
- Do the security cameras need to cover inside, outside, or both?
- Find the most vulnerable areas of your business: these are the places where theft or damage is most likely to occur.
- Identify the best locations for security cameras: these are places where cameras can get a clear view of potential threats.
- Be sure to consider blind spots when placing cameras, and try to position them in areas that offer the widest field of view possible.
- Make sure the cameras are not obstructed by objects such as furniture or plants.
- Ensure that the cameras are placed out of reach to prevent tampering.
- In general, it is best to mount cameras high up on walls or on ceilings to get the best possible coverage.
Use Visible Cameras
While hiding your cameras may seem like a good idea, it can actually work against you. Criminals are less likely to target a business that is obviously being monitored by security cameras. mounted cameras are more likely to deter crime than hidden ones.
- Place cameras in high-traffic areas: This will deter potential criminals from even attempting to break into your business, as they will know that they are being watched.
- Make sure the areas is well-lit. This will not only help deter potential criminals, but will also make it easier to identify them if they do break in.
- Use signs to warn potential criminals that they are being watched.
- Check the cameras regularly to make sure they are working properly.
- Keep them clean and in good repair – This will ensure that they are working properly and that the footage they capture is of the highest quality.
Monitor Your Cameras Regularly
Your security cameras are only as effective as the people monitoring them. Make sure you or your security staff are regularly checking the footage from your cameras. If you have a lot of cameras, you may want to invest in security software that can help you quickly review footage.
- Check the cameras regularly to make sure they are pointing in the right direction and are clean.
- Consistency is key when it comes to checking the footage from your business surveillance cameras. Check the footage from all of your cameras at least once a day.
- Make sure to check the time stamps on the footage to ensure that no footage has been missed.
- Watch the footage from each camera carefully to look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.
- If you notice anything suspicious, be sure to investigate further and take appropriate action.
- Keep a close eye on any footage that shows people coming and going from your business, as this can help you to prevent theft or other crimes.
- If you have any concerns about the footage, contact the security camera company or your local law enforcement agency.
Keep Your Cameras Secure
If criminals know where your security cameras are, they can avoid them or even disable them.
- Keep your cameras well-protected by enclosing them in high-quality housings and mounting them in out-of-reach locations.
- You should also encrypt the footage from your cameras to make it more difficult for criminals to access it.
- Keep them out of reach. Make sure your security cameras are mounted in a place that is out of reach for people who should not have access to them. This will help to prevent tampering and keep the cameras secure.
- Use tamper-proof screws. When mounting your security cameras, use tamper-proof screws to make it more difficult for someone to remove them.
- Use security camera covers. If you are not using your security cameras all the time, consider using covers to protect them from the elements and curious eyes.
- Use a security system. Consider using a security system that includes security cameras to help protect your business. This will help to deter criminals and make it more difficult for them to tamper with your cameras.
- Keep an eye on your cameras. Regularly check your security cameras to make sure they are working properly and have not been tampered with.
Following these tips will help you keep your business safe with security cameras. By deterring crime, catching criminals in the act, and providing evidence for law enforcement, security cameras can be a valuable asset for any business.
About On Guard
ONGUARD are based near Hamilton, and install and maintain alarm and CCTV systems and security solutions across Waikato.
Call us today on 0800 664 827 or get in touch here and we will get back to you.