CCTV Systems Are a Must for Small Business

Are you a small business owner who has been resisting the idea of installing a security camera in your place of work? CCTV systems are becoming ubiquitous, and there are some very good reasons for that. If you own a small business that engages with the public in any way, there are far more benefits than disadvantages to installing a CCTV camera system.
Security
The biggest reason to install a CCTV camera on your premises is increased security, especially if you choose a surveillance camera setup with real-time monitoring. Of course, few small business owners can afford a full-time security employee to provide real-time monitoring, but there are ways to get around that limitation. The most common way is to place the monitor in the line of sight of a cashier, service desk employee or hostess. By installing a CCTV system with this configuration, your place of business can keep an eye on the parking lot while customers enjoy their meals or monitor areas around the building that aren’t in plain sight from the street, adding a measure of safety to your customers’ experience.
Theft Prevention
In retail stores, CCTV systems serve the purpose of preventing and detecting theft, both by customers/the public and by employees. Stores that install a security camera to cover areas that aren’t easily seen from employee stations see a major reduction in shrinkage due to shoplifting and employee theft. This isn’t restricted to retail establishments, though. In cafes, bars and restaurants, a surveillance camera can keep an eye on employee interactions to ensure that they aren’t comping friends to meals or pouring the liquor too freely and wasting your money.
Access Control
The newest CCTV systems can work in conjunction with a security/access control system. If you own a small apartment building, for example, a security camera at the front door can allow residents to see visitors before they answer the door and possibly let in a burglar or other dangerous person. By tying your smartphone or tablet into a feed from your security camera, you can set up a system to send an alert to your phone if someone arrives at your home, and choose whether to remotely unlock the door for them. Even if you don’t have a remote access system, an alert from your security system can prompt you to view the feed from your security camera and decide whether the incident merits a call to the police.
CCTV systems are becoming more and more of a convenience and a necessity in today’s business world. Don’t fall behind the times. Protect your business with the latest affordable technology.

Should You Use CCTV Systems For Surveillance in the Workplace?

It’s one of the hottest premises on the TV reality show circuit. Business owners whose businesses are floundering contact a celebrity expert for help. The experts come into the business and install CCTV systems to observe the “typical” working day. It’s been used in beauty salons, restaurants, hotels and bars and the ratings prove that it’s a popular format. One of the experts, Bar Rescue’s Jon Taffer, is a great believer in CCTV camera use to keep employees on their toes and honest. But is it a good idea to set up CCTV systems to spy on your employees? There are two sides to the coin. These are the pros and cons you should consider when deciding whether to install a surveilance camera system in your place of business.
Legal Ramifications
Before you dig in and set up a surveilance camera system in your business, research the laws in your state about the installation of surveillance systems. Some states practically give you carte blanche because it is your property, while others have strict rules about where you can and can’t install a security camera. In general, most states don’t allow you to install a surveilance camera in areas where employees have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as restrooms or locker rooms. Contact an experienced employment lawyer before investing in setting up a surveillance system.
The Benefits of CCTV Systems in the Workplace
If you’re considering installing a CCTV system in your business, chances are that you suspect a problem. There are a number of common problems that the presence of a surveillance system can address.
Theft and Shrinkage: No one wants to think that employees may be stealing from them, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that U.S. businesses lose between $20 billion and $40 billion annually to employee theft. The ways that employees can steal from a business vary widely, and depend largely on the type of business. In many cases, employees may not even think of what they’re doing as “stealing.” A security camera can both deter employee theft and catch employees in the act, but they’re only one part of a solution to prevent employee shrinkage.
Harassment: As a business owner, you can, and usually will be, held responsible for allowing inappropriate employee behavior. It is your job to provide a safe working environment for your employees, and that includes doing all you can to prevent harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behaviors. The presence of a security camera can help reinforce the company’s determination to prevent those behaviors, as well as provide evidence if there is a charge of harassment made.
Adherence to Policies: Finally, CCTV systems are a great way to keep an eye on employees when you’re not around so that you can see how well they conform to the standards you’ve set for them.
Keep in mind that many employees are uncomfortable with the idea of CCTV systems monitoring their work. Think carefully about how to explain your decision to staff, but in the end, do what you think is best for your business.

Maintenance Tips for CCTV Systems

CCTV systems represent a significant investment in securing your business, so it makes sense to spend a little time maintaining your CCTV equipment. A little bit of care – taking just a few minutes at a time over the course of a month – can help prolong the life of your surveillance system. Some vendors offer a maintenance contract when you purchase their systems, but if you buy and install your own CCTV camera and system, that may not be an option. In most cases, these simple tasks are easy enough for you to perform them yourself on a monthly or quarterly schedule.
Check All the Connections
Check the connection where each security camera feeds into the DVR to make sure that they have not worked loose or become brittle. Loose connections are among the most common causes of image loss on the DVR.
Check the Power Supply Box on Your Security Camera
If your system is an older one, check the power supply on each CCTV camera. Older power supply boxes often have individual fuses on each surveillance camera. Modern systems carry a non-fused resettable power supply. If your cameras are the older type, this is a good time to go shopping for a new system. CCTV systems have never been more affordable – or easy to install.
Break Out the Duster
Dust gathers everywhere, including on the lens of your security camera. Dust on the camera lens can distort the image, or simply make it hazy and difficult to see. The solution? Break out the duster and gently wipe the lens clean periodically to keep dust from causing problems.
Check the Housing on Your Outdoor Cameras
If you have an outdoor security camera, give the weatherproof housing a good going over every few months. Check the seals and the bushings that make it weather-tight. If they seem dry or cracked, or if they don’t fit correctly, look into replacing the housing. Damaged seals can allow moisture and humidity to get into the camera, causing damage. Wipe the seal down with a dry cloth if it looks dirty.
Reboot Your System
Like any computer-based system, most CCTV systems benefit from a regular reboot to allow the system to cool down. Reboots also provide the opportunity for your system to install firmware updates and restart in order for those changes to take effect.
CCTV systems don’t require a great deal of routine maintenance. These few simple tasks can help prolong the life of your security system with very little effort on your part.

CCTV Systems – Working with Your Television Set

CCTV systems are among the best ways to provide video security and surveillance to your home, but top of the line equipment can be expensive. One way to save money on your system is to use your television as a CCTV monitor or playback device. There are a number of different ways to connect your CCTV camera to your television, each of them best in specific situations. The easiest way is to use a coaxial cable or RCA cable, both of which are easily available at any electronics store. It’s not a complicated process. Here’s how easy it can be to set up CCTV systems using your existing cable lines and televisions with a CCTV camera.
Single Camera On One Television
The easiest configuration for hooking up CCTV to your television is to connect a single camera to a single television set. Depending on the connections available on your television, you’ll need either an RCA cable or a coaxial cable, and the appropriate adapters to connect the cable to your security camera. Simply connect one end of the cable to the output jack on the surveillance camera and the other end to the input jack on the television set.  Again, depending on your television, you may have to select the right input through your onscreen menu in order to view the feed from the CCTV camera.
Connecting Your CCTV Camera through a DVR
If you also intend to record the surveillance videos as well as monitor them, you’ll want to connect your security camera to a DVR and a television. You’ll need two sets of RCA cables, the security camera, a DVR and a television set. Plug one end of one RCA cable into the output jacks on the CCTV camera, matching the colors between connectors and jacks. Plug the other end of that RCA cable into the input jacks on the DVR. Connect one end of the second RCA cable to the output jacks on the DVR, and the other end to the input jacks on the television. The DVR will now record your surveillance videos, and you will be able to monitor the feed via the television.
Add Security Cameras to Your DirecTV System
The DirecTV DVR has a built-in hard drive to capture video and audio signals (so do most other cable and satellite TV DVR boxes, for that matter). That means that you can add a security camera to your DirecTV setup and incorporate it into your CCTV system. All you need are coaxial cables for each camera and one to connect between the DirecTV system and the switch box, and a video switch box. Connect a coaxial cable to the RF output jack on the back of each security camera. Screw the other end of each coaxial cable into one of the RF inputs on the back of the video switch box. Connect the last coaxial cable to the RF output on the video switch box and the RF IN jack on your DirecTV DVR box. You can now cycles through the cameras by using the switches on the front of the switch box. The DVR will record whatever is being show on the television.
There are many ways to incorporate CCTV systems into your existing video and audio equipment. These are just a few suggestions. A professional consultant can help you figure out the best options for your home.

CCTV Systems Sometimes Catch People Being Good

We’re all used to hearing about how the CCTV systems installed by stores are good at catching people being bad – after all, isn’t that why most retail stores install a security camera system? Every once in a while, though, a surveillance camera setup accidentally catches someone going above and beyond to do good. Just last month, the CCTV camera system in one New Jersey discount store captured a feel-good CCTV security video that went viral, for a very good reason.
No doubt, the owners of the dollar store at the New Jersey mall installed the security system to “reduce shrinkage” – that is, to keep customers from shoplifting and employees from stealing from him. Instead, the surveillance cameras caught something quite different.
First, a little setup. The store closes at 8 PM, but is located inside a mall that closes later. It is protected by security locks and a surveillance system, but on the night in question, when the manager of the store shut up shop for the night, the front door lock malfunctioned. Also, for various reasons, store staff leave most of the store lights on during the night, so, for all intents and purposes, the little store appeared to be open for business when four young men opened the unlocked front door and walked into the store.
This is where the security camera footage get interesting. The boys walk in, look around and engage in a little conversation, apparently puzzled that no one is at the counter or in the aisles of the store. They proceed to head downstairs to the main selling area, round up a few items, batteries, headphones and a few other things obviously intended for their dorm rooms, and then head for the still-unmanned register. After calling for a clerk a few times, the four boys huddle for a moment, then reach into pockets, withdraw wallets and carefully count out dollars and change, even holding bills up toward the visible security camera in demonstration, before walking out the door with their purchases. For the record, the young men even included the right amount of New Jersey sales tax on their goods.
In today’s world, we don’t really expect CCTV systems to show us the good in people. Most store and property owners install surveillance systems to catch people stealing, vandalizing and otherwise being dishonest. It’s nice, for a change, to have the CCTV camera catch people being honest.

CCTV Systems on a Budget – 7 Tips for Saving Money

Building state-of-the-art CCTV systems can be extremely pricey, but you don’t have to sell your first-born in order to afford the security system to protect him from harm. In fact, it’s really not hard to put together budget CCTV systems that do everything you need, if not everything you imagine you want. These seven tips can help you save money on your security camera and other components of your CCTV system without compromising your goals.
Plan Before You Shop
The single most important question you need to answer before you start looking for CCTV components is this: why do you need a CCTV system? Your purpose will help you decide where to spend your money and which components you should buy. If you know what you want it to do, a good security and CCTV salesperson or consultant can tell you what you need to buy.
Know What You Can Spend
Budget is a liquid word. It simply means “how much you can spend.” Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your system. That figure, combined with the functions you want, will determine the equipment to buy.
Decide on Your Base Functionality
Sure, you may want a surveillance camera that can read a license plate at 200 yards, but do you need it? Most homeowners don’t need more than the capability of seeing the front door with relative clarity. Likewise, you may think it’s pretty cool to have software that can predict trouble spots by analyzing movement in an area, but do you really need that for a 50-seat bar?
Don’t Buy a Separate Monitor
Unless there’s a reason to monitor your CCTV feed full-time, you probably don’t need a dedicated monitor for your cameras. If you do need a monitor, you might be able to save money by repurposing an old computer monitor, for example.
Choose a System that You Can Install
Installation can run up the cost of even bargain basement CCTV systems. If you have DIY skills and some experience with cabling, you can save money by installing it yourself. There are even CCTV systems that are simple enough for a novice to install, given good instructions.
Pick the Best DVR Option
Your DVR is an integral part of your CCTV system. You can choose from a standalone DVR or a PC-based one. A barebones stand-alone DVR will cost less, and will provide all the basic functionality you need. A more advanced one will give you access to features like alarm inputs, PTZ controls for your CCTV camera and the ability to use a hybrid surveillance camera. If you want state of the art capabilities, though, you’ll want a PC-based DVR.
Look for Other Savings
When you’re looking at your budget for CCTV systems, keep in mind that a good security camera system can save you money in a number of ways – reducing theft and shrinkage in a business, deterring crime in a residence, for example. In addition, you’ll often save money on your insurance based on having a good security system. When you add in the money you’ll save by installing a surveillance camera system, you’re likely to find you have a much better budget than you originally thought.

Traffic CCTV Systems: Is Big Brother Watching You?

Recent news events surrounding Edward Snowden and his leaking of documents from the NSA archives have focused more attention than ever on the many intrusions into the privacy of everyday citizens. One of the targets that has come under scrutiny in the wake of the NSA leaks are traffic CCTV systems, which most people equate with license plate cameras. In a recent filing, the ACLU noted that with the enormous amount of license plate images being stored by various law enforcement authorities, police could conceivably track the movements of a single car over the course of days, weeks or months. Which raises the question – should we fear government overreach through traffic CCTV systems? Are all those cameras mounted at traffic lights and along highways … watching you?
Not exactly. In fact, a traffic surveillance camera may serve any one – or more – of several different purposes. This information from CalTrans, the California Transportation Department, explains some of the ways that the state uses information from traffic CCTV systems.
Control Traffic Signal Timing
How often have you pulled up to a traffic signal and sat there – without a single other vehicle in sight – waiting for the light to turn green so you can continue on your way? New technology may make that experience a thing of the past. Many California intersections are equipped with a CCTV camera that sends images back to a central computer, where it is processed by the Video Image Processing System to determine the presence or absence of other vehicles. The technology is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to change the way that traffic signals are controlled throughout the country.
Monitor Freeway Conditions
California has several hundred CCTV camera installations along freeways that are used to monitor traffic conditions. These cameras have PTZ (pan tilt zoom) capability and can help save lives when traffic incidents happen. Information from these cameras is transmitted to the Transportation Management Center, where experts can quickly assess the situation and determine what kind of equipment and personnel needs to be dispatched to the scene.
In addition, the traffic monitoring cameras also provide information for traffic advisories released by CalTrans for motorists.
Law Enforcement
The state of California has only one law enforcement CCTV camera use: capturing license plates of vehicles that don’t pay the toll at toll bridges and toll roads. You have to admit, that’s a far less frightening scenario than CCTV systems across the country recording every movement on the roads.

Risks and Benefits of CCTV Systems for Apartment Complexes

More than any other residential buildings, apartment complexes benefit from the use of CCTV systems and security cameras. With a large, frequently changing population, building residents are frequently strangers to each other. Because they’re used to seeing people come and go, they may fail to recognize an intruder and simply assume that a thief or vandal is a new tenant. Even relatively small apartment complexes benefit from installing CCTV systems for security and surveillance.
Benefits of CCTV Systems in Apartment Buildings
Affordable
CCTV systems are surprisingly affordable these days. Depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the system you’re installing, landlords may be able to install a good quality CCTV surveillance system for just a few hundred dollars per unit.
Ease of Installation
Some types of CCTV systems are easier to install and configure than others. A bare bones system with a security camera for public areas and entrances can be a do-it-yourself project for a small building owner. Even more complex systems may allow for considerable DIY work by the building owner, which will greatly reduce the cost of the security system.
Secure Public Spaces
Even if the only security camera provided is one on the entrance, tenants will benefit from feeling and being more secure. A visual, obvious surveillance camera mounted at the entrance to the building will serve as a discouragement to would-be thieves and vandals, and make it more difficult for them to slip in behind your tenants when they enter and leave. If something should happen despite precautions, the video footage will help identify the culprits and can assist the police in their efforts to apprehend them.
A Few Risks of Apartment CCTV Systems
Privacy
The biggest risk factor when setting up a CCTV security system is protecting tenant privacy. Surveillance camera views should only include public areas, such as entrances, parking lots and laundry rooms. No security camera view should include a tenant’s door, or the interior of their apartments.
Vandalism
Ironically, CCTV systems, which are often installed to discourage vandalism, are likely to fall prey to vandals. It’s important to position cameras out of reach and, if feasible, protect them with grilles or secure housing to prevent vandals from damaging them.
Weather Damage
If cameras are placed outside, there’s always a risk of damage to the system from inclement weather. There are many CCTV systems that feature weather-resistant camera housings for outdoor use.
CCTV systems offer many more benefits than risks in apartment complexes and residential settings. Any building owner who has the best interests of his tenants and his property in mind should seriously consider installing security cameras and a CCTV system to protect them from harm.

CCTV Systems for Home Surveillance – Tips for Security Camera Installation

Is your home protected from harm by a security system? The easy availability and lowered costs for CCTV systems have made them a very popular choice for DIY home security. If you’re considering setting up a CCTV system for home security and surveillance, these tips can help you choose the right security camera for your system and place it where it will do the most good.
Placing a Security Camera
There are a few things to consider when deciding where to place a security camera.
What needs to be watched? Most experts agree that you want a camera on the entrances and approaches to your home, for example. If you don’t have an attached garage, or if the entrance to the garage is not visible from the house, you may want to install a surveillance camera there so you can keep an eye on things. Likewise, you may want to install a camera to keep an eye on the backyard or the swimming pool enclosure.
Why are you installing a CCTV system? While many people install CCTV systems to provide protection from prowlers, it’s not the only reason for installing a security camera. A good surveillance camera can allow you to keep an eye on your kids while you’re at work and they’re home alone, give your elderly parent a lifeline in case of emergency or allow you to monitor your nanny or caretaker. Your purpose will determine both the kind of security camera you install and where you place it.
Do you want to catch someone in the act or scare them off? If your intent is to catch a prowler or watch someone in your home without their knowledge, you’ll want a surveillance camera that can be hidden from view. A good security camera, though, is also a deterrent. Few burglars and vandals will attempt a break-in once they spot a working security camera.
Where will you hang a security camera? Aside from the placement for security reasons, there are also practical considerations when deciding where to put a surveillance camera. Will you mount it on a wall or the ceiling? Do you need to build a platform? Is there something to hide it inside or behind?
Where will you plug it in? Even if you choose wireless CCTV systems, you still have to consider supplying power to the cameras. If they use batteries, you’ll need to locate them where they’re easy to reach for changing. If you decide to wire them, you’ll need to either run power to them or locate them somewhere close to an outlet.
These are just a few of the considerations you’ll need to take into account when deciding where to place a security camera. You can get more information and assistance from a professional that sells and installs CCTV systems for the home.

Top Five Reasons CCTV Systems Are Awesome for Security

It’s difficult to complete escape the electronic eyes of CCTV systems. They are the most pervasive security option in use by businesses of all types, including retail stores, entertainment venues and public buildings. From classrooms to private homes and everything in between, here are the top five reasons that make CCTV systems so popular in the security sphere.
Affordability
Once expensive, CCTV systems have come down in price to the point where nearly anyone can afford a security camera or two and a recording/storage solution. Even the least expensive surveillance camera system, though, can deliver decent quality surveillance footage. Individuals and businesses can easily afford CCTV systems that are available for home and small business use today.
Availability
It’s very easy to find CCTV systems. They’re available in brick and mortar stores nearly anywhere, as well as online through many different vendors. Not long ago, a home or business owner could only purchase CCTV systems through a licensed dealer who would then also have the contract to install, monitor and service the equipment. Today, technology has advanced to the point where most home nad business owners can easily purchase the components of CCTV systems and install them at home or on their property without professional help.
Security
A visible security camera is one of the most effective and cheapest crime deterrents available. Whether at home or in a business, when would-be thieves and troublemakers see a surveillance camera, they frequently think twice about causing trouble. One survey asked convicted robbers to identify security measures that would discourage them from breaking into a building. Nearly all of them identified CCTV systems as a major deterrent to crime.
Credibility
Images and videos captured by CCTV systems are a reliable way to maintain and store records of events that happen at your business or home. Recordings from a CCTV camera may be useful to present evidence in lawsuits or criminal cases. They can also help establish the truth in situations where there is a question about the exact sequence of events.
Safety
CCTV systems provide businesses and homeowners with the tools to monitor their premises and capture the first hints of danger. With the help of a CCTV camera, people can spot fires, fights, break-ins and other hazards, and notify emergency services to respond to the emergency.
CCTV systems can make your home or business safer and more secure affordably and conveniently. Don’t leave the people you love unprotected. Learn more about CCTV systems and how they can keep your business  and home secure today.

Home Security Tips for CCTV Systems

More and more people are adopting CCTV systems to protect their homes. If you’re considering installing a security camera or a few of them, these tips can help you evaluate your needs and make the right choices for your home security needs.

Evaluate Your Needs

Why are you installing a CCTV system in your home? The answer – or answers – to that question will help you determine what kind of surveillance camera and recorder combination you need to buy, as well as where you’ll place each security camera in and around your home. Some of the reasons that people install CCTV systems include:

-          Identify people who come to the front door before you open it

-          View people approaching the house

-          Discourage thieves and vandals

-          Record footage for later viewing or to provide evidence in case of an event

-          Alert you if someone enters enclosed areas, such as the backyard or pool enclosure

-          Keep an eye on what’s going on at home while you’re away

-          Allow remote surveillance for a security company

Choose Security Camera Locations

Based on your needs evaluation, decide where you should place each CCTV camera to best accomplish your aims. Most home security experts recommend a security camera at the front door, placed at the right angle to capture the face of anyone at the door, as well as a security camera aimed at outdoor areas that are not easily viewable from windows. If you intend to do hidden surveillance inside your home, such as to monitor a nanny’s behavior with your children, choose a hidden location that has a clear view of the room. If your intent is to discourage thieves and vandals from bothering your property, mount an outdoor security camera in an obvious spot.

Decide Between Types of CCTV Systems

The two basic types of systems use either standalone DVRs or a PC as the recording device. Each has benefits and drawbacks, so think them through and choose the one that makes the most sense for your home. You can also choose between wired and wireless network systems, as well as choose the number of security camera devices you want to hook up to your recorder.

Choose the Best Security Camera for Your Needs

There are hundreds of choices for cameras that will work with CCTV systems. Do a little research to help you decide which is best for your home. You’ll have to decide between indoor and outdoor models, dome and bullet cameras and the technical details that will determine the resolution and quality of your footage.

CCTV Systems and Public Policy

The Boston Marathon bombings raised some mostly muted questions about an issue that isn’t discussed much in the U.S., though it’s much more upfront in European countries, notably in the UK: privacy issues and the use of private CCTV systems. The central role of private CCTV systems on a number of commercial establishments along the route played a central role in the identification of the  two bombing suspects, but raised a quiet controversy about the prevalence of CCTV camera surveillance by both public and private organizations and persons. It also made many people extremely aware – possibly for the first time – of the lack of public policy regarding the use of surveillance camera and CCTV systems. How much do you know about the laws regarding the use of CCTV surveillance in your place of business or your private home?

In the UK, there are uniform policies across the country regarding what is permitted by law and what is not. It’s been a major issue on that front for a number of years because of the proliferation of public surveillance camera systems. The UK is well-known for the prevalence of CCTV systems used by law enforcement across the country. It’s been estimated that there are few public spaces in the UK that are not overseen by the ever present, all-seeing eye of the CCTV camera.

That’s not surprising in a country where a Member of Parliament stated, on the record, that there are no legal restrictions on photography in a public place and no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place. That may make it seem as if UK citizens are at the mercy of CCTV systems that view their activities from the moment they step through their front doors to the moment they return from their outings. In fact, where home CCTV systems are concerned, people have many more rights than they believe.

For example, it’s a widely held belief that it is illegal to situate a CCTV camera so that it records any part of another property or the public street outside their properties. In fact, this restriction applies to public policing CCTV systems. Homeowners are exempt from this ruling, as long as they are using a CCTV camera to protect their home from burglary. The ruling also takes into account the type of CCTV camera used by the system – as long as the CCTV systems contain fewer than three cameras and none of them can be moved, tilted, zoomed or otherwise remotely operated, the property owner doesn’t have to inform the police, nor even post signs warning about the surveillance.

In the U.S., in the meantime, the policies regarding the use of private CCTV systems vary from one jurisdiction to another. In some jurisdictions, it may not be lawful to place a surveillance camera to secretly record your employees’ activities, for example, and nearly every jurisdiction prohibits placing a security camera in a public venue, such as a retail store, where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy – the dressing rooms and rest rooms, for example.

If you are installing a CCTV camera in your commercial space or a surveillance camera that will record an area outside your home, do yourself a favor and check the laws regarding the installation of CCTV systems in your city, town and state.

Seven Applications for CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are useful for any number of applications. A properly planned and installed CCTV camera system can help reduce vandalism, theft and general nuisances, as well as provide information that business and homeowners couldn’t otherwise obtain. These are just a few of the many applications for which CCTV systems can be used.

Retail Uses

Shoplifting and shrinkage can result in a loss of profits of up to 25% per year. According to retail industry research, even small CCTV systems can substantially reduce losses from shoplifting. Up to 90% of potential shoplifters indicate that they would think twice about attempting to steal if they knew a security camera might be watching.

Swimming Pools

Inattention around swimming pools can have disastrous consequences. A properly installed and monitored CCTV system can discourage unauthorized access – e.g, after hours or when there is no lifeguard present – as well as allow supervisors to monitor and ensure that safety staff is actually doing its job.

Hospitals and Clinics

CCTV systems have many uses in the health sector, including security and teaching purposes. One of the most common uses is to mount a small security camera at all entrances and exits to the nursery to monitor who has access to the babies at all times. CCTV systems may also be used to record and transmit surgeries and procedures for teaching purposes.

Gaming and Vending Machines

Unattended vending machines are often located in remote areas where they can’t be easily monitored by staff. Their locations encourage vandals and thieves, but a CCTV camera trained on an area where vending machines are located serves as a deterrent and can help capture thieves of vandals.

Vehicle Monitoring

A security camera and monitoring system located at the entrances and exits of a parking area allows property owners to monitor and maintain records of all people who enter and leave the site. This can be especially useful in publicly accessible parks and recreation sites to provide easy identification of any stragglers who may try to linger after closing hours.

Elevators

Elevators are notorious areas for assaults. A surveillance camera in the elevator car serves as a deterrent to bad behavior between floors and can help police apprehend thieves, vandals and other criminals who access the property.

Bars

CCTV systems for bars are extremely flexible and allow for a range of uses. A front door surveillance camera can be especially useful to not only record those entering the premises, but to monitor and prove that IDs are being checked as required by law in the case that a venue owner has to defend against underage serving charges.

Learn more about the many applications of CCTV systems and how they can help you in your business by contacting a vendor of security camera, monitoring and CCTV equipment.

CCTV Systems for Rental Properties

In a survey that should be of interest to the owners of rental properties, respondents listed the key features they look for when searching for an apartment, condo or unit to rent. Security systems top the list of most important features in just about every type of rental unit. CCTV systems are among the best choices for providing access control and surveillance for rental properties. Consider these features and uses of CCTV systems when deciding whether to install a security camera or surveillance camera on your property.

Front Door Security Provides Improved Access Control

One of the most common uses for a CCTV camera on rental properties is a front door camera. If you’ve installed an access control system – that is, a way for tenants to buzz visitors in – a security camera trained on the front entrance coupled with display screens in each unit allows tenants to see who is at the door before hitting the buzzer. The ability to visually appraise visitors will reduce the incidence of unauthorized people in the building and make your tenants feel more secure.

Common Area Surveillance Provides Security

A surveillance camera in the common areas of the building helps pinpoint danger before it happens. A visible surveillance camera also serves as a deterrent to criminals, including break-in artists and vandals. In addition, footage from a security camera can provide assistance to police in apprehending perpetrators of crime in the building, as well as providing evidence to help in prosecution of any crimes committed.

CCTV Systems Should Cover Remote Areas of the Building

In every building, there are areas where tenants may be alone and vulnerable to danger, including attacks. A CCTV camera in the laundry room, storage area, basement or parking garage provides protection for tenants making use of those amenities.

Security Camera Surveillance Makes the Parking Area Safer

A security camera covering the driveway or parking lot serves as a deterrent to vandals and car thieves. It also can provide evidence in cases of hit-and-run accidents in the parking lot as well as providing perimeter surveillance. In addition, security cameras hooked to remote sensor security lights adds another layer of security to your property.

CCTV systems for residential security in rental property are surprisingly affordable, and add a considerable amount of value to your property. Rental units with a visual security camera presence command higher rents, so your investment in a high-quality CCTV camera system can pay for itself within months.

Tips on Choosing Cameras for CCTV Systems

The cameras you choose for CCTV systems provide major part of the functionality. Your DVR or PC software can’t record detail that your security camera doesn’t give it. The style and functionality of the CCTV camera styles you choose will, in large part, determine the capabilities of your security and surveillance system. These considerations can help you choose the best security cameras for your CCTV systems.

What Is the Purpose of Your CCTV System?

The biggest consideration when choosing a surveillance camera to go with your system is the purpose for which you’re buying it. That will determine everything else about the camera, from the camera body – an outdoor security camera needs a weatherproof body, for example – to the focal length of the lens. Before you look at security camera systems, jot down your intended use for the system – will you be using it to keep an eye on premises when you’re not there? Do you intend to use the footage to provide evidence to law enforcement authorities? If you’re purchasing a CCTV system for a retail store and intend to use the footage as evidence in court, for instance, you’ll need to choose a surveillance camera with a high enough resolution to be admitted as evidence in your district courts.

What Equipment Will You Be Using?

A CCTV camera cannot operate on its own. It needs to be compatible with any other equipment you’ll be planning to hook into your network. There are some very broad categories, including IP security camera choices and wired surveillance camera options, but beyond that, you also need to be sure that the cameras you purchase are compatible with both the DVR/PC base station you’ll be using and the software that will be running your system.

What Are Your Recording Options?

There are three choices for recording and storing images from your security camera a standalone DVR, a PC-based security system or the camera itself. Each type of camera has benefits and limitations, as does each type of CCTV system. When deciding on the cameras and recorder for CCTV systems, it’s important to know how many cameras you’ll be connecting, what kind of image quality you want and how long you intend to store the images.

Do You Need Cameras that Move?

Another choice you’ll have to make is whether to use fixed or PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras for your CCTV system. In many cases, you may choose a mix of the two. Fixed cameras are the best choice for monitoring a specific area – and are less expensive – while PTZ cameras allow you to sweep an area and get a wider view in your surveillance.

Companies that sell CCTV systems and security cameras can provide you with more information about the best CCTV camera and recorder combinations for your needs.

Where to Place Cameras in Retail CCTV Systems

Every year, retailers lose millions of dollars to “shrinkage,” the sanitized term that encompasses shoplifting, employee theft and other merchandise losses that could be prevented. CCTV systems offer the best way to combat retail shrinkage. A well-designed system with CCTV camera locations in the right places can both discourage shoplifting and theft and help you catch places where you can prevent loss. The trick to designing retail CCTV systems that work is to put in the work to figure out the best placement for each security camera. These are the most common surveillance camera locations in retail CCTV systems.

Entrances and Exits

It’s nearly impossible to enter a supermarket or retail store without being captured on camera as you come through the door. Many stores even mount a monitor just inside the door – a not-so-subtle way of letting you know to smile, you’re on candid camera! There’s a good reason to place a security camera at the entrance and exits, though. It gives you a clear view of the flow of customers and employees, and is one of the best places to capture faces for later retrieval in case you need the evidence for police or a court case.

Point of Sale

Anywhere cash changes hands is a hotbed for illegal activity. It’s easy for dishonest employees to steel from the store in many different ways, some of them very creative. You should place a security camera above the register or at the point of sale located so that it records all activities at the register. If you suspect an employee of giving sweetheart deals, you can even place a surveillance camera to capture the scanner so that you see what’s entered into the computers.

On the Floor

Depending on the size and configuration, you may need several security cameras. Watch store traffic patterns to help you decide on the best place for each CCTV camera. Any low-traffic aisle should be monitored by a camera, an you should position a security camera to afford a view of any area that can’t be easily seen from multiple areas in your store – or from the front counter, if the store is small.

Warehouse/Storage Room

In 2010, more than $425 million in cargo was stolen from warehouses, storage rooms, loading docks and trucks. The thieves include burglars who break in, but are more likely to be employees of the store or of delivery companies. A security camera mounted on beams, in drop ceilings or on main ceilings will allow you to monitor the inventory and catch any incidents of merchandise theft.

Parking Lot

Store parking lots are major targets for thieves who break into parked cars of employees and customers. CCTV systems can help you cut down on car break-ins and catch those who are doing the thieving. Choose a high-quality CCTV camera with the capability of capturing faces and license plates to make identification easier.

CCTV systems are commonplace in retail stores these days. Take the time to figure out the best placement for cameras, and you’ll see a drop in your shrinkage rate almost immediately.

Four Places that You Might Not Expect to Find CCTV Systems

Security cameras, especially CCTV systems for security, have become nearly ubiquitous in some parts of the world. In Great Britain, for example, you can’t walk down the street in most larger cities without being recorded along the way on any number of CCTV security systems. Here in the U.S., most people think they are free of such surveillance, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, CCTV systems have become the norm for many businesses and in places that many people don’t expect to find them. Here are just a few of the places you might find a CCTV camera pointed in your direction.

At Traffic Signals

It is becoming more and more common for large and medium size cities to install a CCTV camera at traffic signals to help them monitor traffic and catch offenders that might otherwise go unnoticed. In addition to providing law enforcement with information on people who don’t stop for traffic signals, these security camera systems also provide traffic pattern data to the city’s planning department that can result in improvements to the city’s infrastructure.

At the Club

Smile pretty for the camera when you’re dancing at the club. Today, it’s not unusual for entertainment venues and dance clubs to have a surveillance camera trained on the dance floor and surrounding tables. The footage from those cameras can help business owners determine usage patterns, spot potential trouble brewing and provide evidence in case of crimes or complaints.

On the Job

Security-conscious companies have been installing CCTV systems to monitor employee behavior for years, but the practice is spreading to smaller and smaller companies. With the advent of reality shows that hinge on employees stealing from employers and goofing off whenever they’re not watched, the trend for employers to install a surveillance camera in the workplace has grown significantly. On a more positive note, a security camera on the worksite can help bosses spot places where improvements can be made and gives them footage to defend employees against complaints.

In the Home

Once the province of the uber-wealthy, CCTV systems are now found in many middle-class homes where they provide security and peace of mind for homeowners. Many security companies will install video security systems that only turn on when the system detects a breach in the perimeter or when activated by the homeowner.

CCTV systems provide security, peace of mind and information to home and business owners. They are becoming more and more common in our everyday lives, a trend that some find troubling, but that many others find encouraging and comforting.

Unusual Uses for CCTV Systems

We’re used to seeing CCTV systems used for security and surveillance purposes, but we’ve also seen CCTV camera systems used in creative and unusual ways. A CCTV camera can be installed to monitor just about anything, and can transmit the signal to linked monitors or to an Internet feed, where it can be viewed by others. CCTV systems are much sturdier and often offer better capabilities than your typical webcam or nanny cam, making them the perfect choice for some of these CCTV applications we’ve seen recently.

Polar Bear Cub Cam

When the Buffalo New York zoo acquired a newborn polar bear cub, the staff wanted to show her off – but she was far too young to be let loose to play in the standard polar bear exhibit that awaited her. The solution? The staff set up a CCTV camera to allow zoo visitors to “meet” the three-month-old cub via video feed. Little Luna, named because she was born on the night of the full moon, will be viewable via CCTV camera periodically until she is old enough to move into the zoo’s polar bear exhibit.

Of course, this isn’t the first time that zoo staff has used a CCTV camera to keep an eye on newborns inside den areas in zoos around the world. Mothers and nursing cubs need privacy, but staff needs to be able to monitor for any potential problems. Entering the den with a nursing mother bear, wolf or other animal is a poor idea, but a surveillance camera can be installed well in advance and be used to monitor progress and reassure zookeepers that everything is going well.

City View Cams

The city of Worcester, Massachusetts allows city residents and others to get a glimpse of the most popular views in the city with a series of CCTV camera setups that transmit pictures to a network. Homesick former residents can log into the city government website and watch the sun rise over the Quabbin Reservoir or view the holiday lights on Worcester Common behind City Hall. Of course, Worcester isn’t the only city in the country that shows off its views via CCTV. Many cities maintain CCTV systems with similar capabilities.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

Ever want to see what the executives at your favorite company are doing at work? Want to watch workers assemble a car? While many companies use CCTV surveillance camera setups to monitor their workers, a few have put their CCTV systems to use for something a little different: giving the public a peek behind the scenes at their operations. Customers and clients can check in to see the staff at work – or at play – fostering a closer connection and relationship.

CCTV systems are great for security and surveillance monitoring, but they also can be used in more fun ways. These are just a few examples of ways that creative organizations have put CCTV systems to work for purposes other than security.

Why You Should Consider CCTV Systems

When it comes to high-tech security in retail, hospitality and home settings, CCTV systems are the way to go. Small CCTV systems, appropriate for small businesses, multi-family residences and homes, are more affordable than ever, and they’re simple enough that most property owners can install a security camera or two, hook them up to a DVR and have a running security system in just a few hours. While installation may be simple, choosing among the many CCTV systems and components available can be more complicated. These are a few of the things you can expect from CCTV systems and considerations when choosing the right camera and recorder for your needs.

What Do You Want from Your CCTV Systems?

Every choice you make will depend on one thing: what you expect from your CCTV security system. Generally, people choose to install a security system for one or more of these reasons:

Discourage Illegal Activity

A security camera can be useful in helping to deter illegal activity. Vandals are far less likely to attack if they know their activities are being recorded, and shoplifters will look for easier targets. A visible, obvious, CCTV camera is a good part of an overall plan to reduce shrinkage.

Record Illegal Activity

In addition to deterring would-be criminals, footage from CCTV systems can be instrumental in helping you catch and convict those who do shoplift, vandalize or otherwise damage your business or property. Keep in mind that your security camera will have to return fairly high quality video if you’re planning to use the recorded footage for identification purposes, especially in court.

Monitor Your Staff

The reality TV series “Restaurant Stakeout” shows the world how much shrinkage and loss can be attributed to employee theft, inefficiency and waste. Some business owners use CCTV systems to monitor employees when they’re not onsite. Monitoring equipment can also help employers spot places where he needs to improve training and operations.

Protection from Liability

Retail and hospitality businesses are often the targets of scam artists who want to make a quick buck with a lawsuit. CCTV systems can help prove that your business was not at fault in an incident in a legal issue, or help exonerate an employee accused by a customer of theft or another unsavory act.

Lower Insurance Costs

Whether in the home or in a business, CCTV systems can reduce your insurance premiums. Nearly all insurers will provide a rebate or discount to property owners who protect their premises with a CCTV security system. CCTV systems make it easier for insurance companies to investigate and recover losses.

Once you know why you want to install a security system, you’ll find it much easier to choose among the many CCTV systems and components available. Any good salesperson or consultant can point you in the right direction for your needs.

Top Tips for Installing CCTV Systems

Installing CCTV systems in your business or residential property offers a lot of benefits for security and more, but many people end up installing CCTV systems that don’t meet their needs. These top tips from one of the nation’s top CCTV installers gives an overview of what you need to know and do when you’re setting up a security camera system.

Plan Ahead

Before you start shopping for a single CCTV camera, sit down with a pad of paper and figure out your objectives. Is it your intent to conduct surveillance? Monitor problem areas on your property? Deter shoplifting? You’ll need different types of CCTV equipment for each of these aims, so knowing why you want CCTV will help you choose which pieces to buy.

Locate Your Cameras Correctly

A CCTV camera that doesn’t capture what you want is virtually useless and a complete waste of your money. The best surveillance camera in the world won’t do you much good if all it captures is the top of someone’s head. Walk through your property and figure out exactly where you want to watch. When you mount your cameras, remember this advice from professionals who install CCTV systems. Consider the focus and distance of the security camera range when deciding where to place it. If you’re installing a front door CCTV camera to identify callers, for example, the camera should be fairly close and at eye level.

Choose the Right Camera and Lens

The camera and lens determine how well you’ll be able to capture what you’re monitoring. Once again, knowing your purpose will help you choose the right security camera. Keep these points in mind when deciding on the focal length and quality for your cameras: the bigger the focal length, the farther away you can focus your camera. The most common focal length for security cameras is 3.6 mm, which will give you a 72 degree field of view. That’s sufficient for most residential and small office applications.

Choose the Right DVR

The two basic recording choices for CCTV systems are stand-alone DVR and PC-based DVR software. In general, stand-alone DVRs are more compact and less expensive, but provide fewer options for use. PC-based DVRs provide you lots and lots of options for image processing, surveillance, recording and storage, but are generally more expensive than stand-alone systems. Keep in mind the number of cameras you’ll be installing and, suggest most CCTV experts, opt for more connections than you’ll need.

Get Professional Help

While it’s certainly possible to install a simple CCTV setup yourself, if you’re installing anything more complex than a single camera and DVR or a put-in-place surveillance camera with wireless transmission, you should get help from a professional with experience installing CCTV systems.