Video Surveillance Does Not Stop Crime For Businesses
Video Surveillance has historically been used as a tool to understand what happened when nobody was there. It provided a sense of security to have a record of any malicious activity, but when it came to affecting the outcome of an intrusion, the cameras were powerless. When the crime was discovered it was too late, and business owners would watch in frustration the next day as thieves violated their space and helped themselves to their property.
Although many security providers continue to offer traditional video surveillance as a tool to record and archive events, it is not the right solution to prevent crime and loss.
If you want to prevent crime and loss you need video surveillance cameras paired and integrated with your Alarm System. This combination enables powerful Video Monitoring Services such as Video Enhanced Response and Video Alarm Verification.
Video Monitoring Services completely change the game by allowing cameras to play an active role in alarm response. Rather than learning about the events of an intrusion after the fact, the crime is reported and responded to in real-time. When an alarm system is triggered, alarm operators can view cameras in real-time to determine the most appropriate response. When an intrusion can be confirmed using video, operators are able to dispatch the authorities with an increased sense of urgency.
Knowing why the alarm is going off and being able to tell police there is someone in the yard or in the building is a total game-changer for alarm operators. It has been proven that video Services limit damages and significantly increase the likelihood of apprehension. The EPS is encouraging alarm system owners to employ live video as part of their security solutions because of the tremendous value the real-time video provides operators. See recommendations here.
The sight of a camera used to be an effective tool in deterring thieves from breaking in. Unfortunately, years of traditional video surveillance without active response has given criminals a sense of security. If you cannot demonstrate to a thief that they are actively being monitored and that someone is responding in real-time to their criminal actions, they will plan to take their time and do a thorough job. When the police arrive onsite thanks to monitored video, not only is the intruder surprised – operators are able to use the video to assist authorities with the location of the suspect. Hoods, masks, or otherwise concealed identities do not limit the abilities of video services to support response.
Video cameras are still very useful to record activity 24/7 for many reasons including health & safety, compliance, reducing and preventing internal theft, and for investigating non-malicious activity, but we need to stop thinking about them as a solution that will prevent crime on their own.
When you are working with a security professional, they will help design a system that can serve these needs as well as address concerns about crime.