With advances in technology in the last decade, there is no reason why all businesses shouldn’t have even the most basic security measures in place to protect the premises, its contents and its employees. There are several different kinds of CCTV for many different budgets, but if you invest in a more modern system, the benefits will swallow the cost in no time!
The current COVID-19 situation means that many businesses are standing empty, or operating with skeleton staff, meaning that they are more exposed to theft or vandalism. Until restrictions are lifted and businesses can begin operating as normal again, commercial premises across the country are far more vulnerable to criminals.
Protecting your business is paramount in such uncertain times, and security is key. As government guidelines have told us to stay at home, remote security is a lifeline for business owners who are unable to attend their premises. So why should you invest in a new CCTV system? We identified 7 of the best reasons:
- Old analogue systems are outdated
You may be throwing good money after bad trying to maintain an older analogue system, due to the cost of upgrades and replacement parts. The older the system, the more unreliable it will become meaning it could fail at a time when you most need it.
- It can record vast amounts of live footage
Imagine the cost involved in employing somebody to watch your security cameras all day every day! IP CCTV records in real time, and its software will alert you if the alarm in your building is triggered by intruders. This can save you time, money and hassle, as it gives you the ability to access footage at any given time, either as it is happening or retrospectively. This footage is invaluable should any break in result in arrests and prosecution of the perpetrators in the future. Of course, you also have the option to peruse footage just to check your building is safe and secure.
- The image quality is better
Modern CCTV image quality is far superior to analogue. A clear crisp image is vital if you need to identify any criminals caught on camera. Even if intruders are disguised, a sharper image could still help by identifying clothing brands or other small detail that an analogue system might not pick up.
- You can monitor remotely
The benefit of remote monitoring is that you can check on your cameras wherever you are, from your smart phone or other device, giving you the advantage to alert emergency services immediately should you need to. If you travel with work, or lockdown rules are strengthened, then this can give you extra peace of mind if you’re not on hand to attend your premises when necessary.
- It’s easy to install
Once your cameras are insitu, you can download simple software to monitor them from any device, giving you peace of mind should your building be empty for any prolonged amount of time. Extra cameras can be added in harder to see places or particularly vulnerable locations, either indoors or outdoors. Viewing footage from multiple angles can prove valuable when trying to identify suspects!
- It’s cost effective
The cost of a new security system can seem like a lot of money to part with, but think of the benefits; CCTV can act as a deterrent to burglars which could save you the hassle of insurance claims and subsequent premium increases in the future. A burglary doesn’t just impact on the loss of equipment and items, it’s also about the potential damage caused to your building, the interruption to your business should key equipment be stolen or damaged plus the emotional distress caused to you and your employees. You may even find that your insurance premiums are lowered with the addition of an appropriate CCTV system.
- It’s reliable
Gone are the days when there would be one hard copy of footage, which could be rendered useless if it was damaged, or worse still, recorded over! Today’s systems are durable as well as reliable and can be updated and adapted with ease, producing high resolution imaging, which can be accessed from anywhere at any time.
- It protects your staff
There could be times when your staff feel vulnerable at work, particularly if they’re there alone. CCTV offers them comfort in knowing that they are always safe and monitored. Likewise, your staff will conduct themselves professionally, knowing that their actions are being recorded!
Of course, there are Data Protection laws in force which forbid you from pointing cameras at the pavement, road or neighbouring properties. Your Installation expert will advise you of the best position for your cameras without breaking the law!
If you would like more information on our CCTV systems and installation service, please click here.