All businesses are at risk of becoming victims of a crime. Unfortunately, the perpetrator is rarely a stranger. Up to 95% of all companies will experience theft from an employee. That’s in addition to businesses that will experience vandalism, break-ins, or, unfortunately, workplace violence. So, what, if anything, can be done? Closed circuit television cameras are a great place to start.
What is Closed Circuit Television Surveillance?
Closed circuit television (CCTV) is a type of surveillance technology that produces a private signal to authorized viewers. Using a network of security cameras, CCTV surveillance allows business owners to monitor the exterior and interior of their businesses.
How Does CCTV Surveillance Help Prevent Crime?
There are three primary ways that a closed-circuit television surveillance system can help prevent crime at your business.
Security Cameras are a Deterrent to Thieves
Security cameras are more common than ever, but they are still very effective at deterring burglars from targeting your business. Suppose your company has visible cameras, but the business next to yours does not. In that case, a burglar is likelier to target the other business.
As mentioned, most crime committed against businesses is perpetrated by employees. Closed circuit television security cameras can help deter in-house thefts as well. Unfortunately, theft of non-cash property by employees has more than doubled over the past 15 years. A visible camera system can cause an employee to think twice before committing theft or fraud against your business.
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CCTV Systems Allow You to Monitor Employee Activity
An extensive surveillance system in your workplace allows you to monitor employee behavior. You can see if inventory is being taken out of your workplace. You can also see when merchandise is returned to your business. You can identify any employees who have entered restricted areas.
Surveillance footage can also help you to identify any aggressive behavior that an employee may display towards a co-worker. Finally, surveillance footage can confirm if an employee is stealing time by clocking in early or leaving late.
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Evidence Collection
A closed-circuit television camera system can be used to collect evidence. For example, suppose you suspect an employee or multiple employees of theft. In that case, the video footage can be used as evidence and grounds for termination. In the rare case of workplace violence, the footage collected can be used by law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.
Exterior CCTV systems can also help identify perpetrators outside your organization who commit crimes such as burglary, arson, and vandalism against your business.
Closed Circuit Television System Installation in Western Oregon
If you’d like to learn more about various types of CCTV systems that may help you to curb or prevent crime against your business, Federal Security can help. For more than 25 years, we have sold, maintained, and repaired CCTV systems throughout Western Oregon. Federal Security is a locally owned and operated Oregon business that aims to help business owners protect their livelihoods. In addition to CCTV system installation, we also install home security camera systems and fire systems. To learn more, call 541-757-8153 for a free consultation.