There’s no denying that CCTV cameras are an important part of a robust security system. However here are some important factors to consider when planning your business’ crime prevention strategies and why you can’t solely reply on security cameras
Although the rate is on the decline, unfortunately there were still 133,870 victims of break-ins in Australia in 2020, with 29% of these in a non-residential property1. Not only do businesses suffer the financial cost of the break-in and theft, but also the loss of trading, and the reputational damage that comes with breaches to security. So having a reliable security system is a must for all businesses.
Security system cameras for both home, and businesses have proven success in supporting police in apprehending the offenders and providing a deterrent all together. And, by installing a security system, businesses could see insurance premiums reduce by 20%. So not surprisingly, the private security sector is seeing a rise in clients choosing electronic surveillance over traditional mobile services.
Security System Cameras and Technology
Screenshot NX Witness - software used by Agile Security
Over the past few years, the market has seen an influx of sophisticated tech when it comes to electronic surveillance. The prices are coming down, and they’re being stocked at everyday hardware stores making them very accessible, especially for small businesses.
With features like IoT connections – seamlessly connecting with systems like Nest, Alexa and Google Assistants and even streaming to your Fire TV. Features like motion and break glass sensors, movie quality cameras, 115-foot night vision, colour night vision and vandal-proof casing are enabling better detection and image capture than ever before. Cloud based storage and real-time monitoring come as standard too these days and provide detailed reporting.
With DIY systems being so accessible and low cost, many small businesses are cutting down on patrolled services and opting to fit systems themselves.
The risk of a DIY security system
Security System Installation
So, the good news is you can kit out your warehouse or store with cameras with relatively low investment. We’re pleased to see that businesses are taking security precautions.
However, there are best practice ways to install a security system that a professional security firm can advise on – meaning a wider scope of vision. This can sometimes mean the difference between footage being admissible as evidence in court or not and can help with insurance claims.
A professional security firm can also provide risk assessment consulting. With their experience, they can advise on high-risk entry points and ways to mitigate risks to staff and property. This is particularly important for large and complex sites, or any business that has a high risk or valuable product such as pharmaceuticals or alcohol.
Alarm Response and Monitoring
However, the vital break in the chain with DIY systems is that many businesses haven’t considered their procedures for alarm triggers and response. If you installed your own security system, and you’re woken to an alert at 3am – how do you stop the intruder? If you respond yourself, you are at risk of harm. Obviously, the police will respond when called, but there’s a high possibility the criminals will have fled the scene by the time the police arrive – especially if your business is regional or remote. So there is also a low chance of stock recovery.
Whereas having a trained Security Officer monitoring and patrolling will not only provide a deterrent, but also help in apprehending a criminal more quickly and reduce stock loss.
Therefore, at Agile Security we advise that a combined approach is a cost-effective but reliable way to secure your business. One of the services we offer are virtual patrols. A professional can carry out a risk assessment, will fit a sophisticated electronic surveillance system and a trained Security Officer can monitor virtually 24/7. This meaning a wider coverage with less manpower but can still identify risks in real time. At scheduled times, the security guard can also carry out physical patrols, including a vertical patrol where each floor of the building is swept, to show an on-ground presence and offer another level of assurance. In the instance of a break-in, the guard can escalate to a dedicated local response team for support.
Virtual patrols are cost-effective solution for many businesses. However, the drawback is a good internet bandwidth is required. This means it might not be suitable for some remote sites. However an Agile Security specialist will be able to consult on the specifics for your business site.
If you’re interested in learning more about virtual patrols, mobile patrols, risk consultation or security system installation – speak to Agile Security’s experienced team.
1 ABS 2020
