Don't Leave Your Small Business Vulnerable

Though property crime rates are on the decline, more than 1 in 8 households were victims of property crime in 2008. Small businesses are prone to theft and other property crime like households, because there is the perception that they are more likely to get away with burglarizing a small business than a larger business. There are many ways to protect your business from property crime, like criminal conviction checks, past employment verification, and employee education (more theft protection tips), but security cameras are often the most effective method.

Security cameras and public knowledge of the use of security cameras creates a perception of detection. As score.org puts it: “Employees who perceive that they will be caught engaging in occupational fraud and abuse are less likely to commit it. Increasing the perception of detection may well be the most effective fraud prevention method.” Of course, not only employees are deterred by the perception of detection, the same goes for other people who might consider theft or other property crime.

Unfortunately, security cameras do not stop all instances of theft. However, property is more likely to be recovered or reimbursed when the theft is recorded on camera. In reality, very little stolen property is actually recovered, but most of the recovery is thanks in part to security systems. Due to this, theft deterrance should be the main focus of the camera system.

Today, security systems are affordable for small business and even homeowners. Small business surveillance systems can be installed for as little as $1000 - $5000. The security systems can be CCTV or even IP-based so you can view your cameras from anywhere with internet access.

Systems can be put together very affordable; bullet security cams and dome security cameras start at $80 for black and white and $150 for color. Lenses are available in all sizes from 2.5mm to 500mm and can be changed easily, so your needs can be met for all surveillance areas regardless of size and distance. Pan-tilt-zoom cameras, known as PTZ cameras, that allow users to “look around” the surveillance area are also available.

Don't leave your small business, restaurant, or bar unprotected! Act before its too late and you're the victim of theft. Click for more information about camera types and assistance choosing what cameras are right for your small business surveillance needs.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Shopping Malls Need Security Cameras

Shopping mall security cameras are almost common sense. Think about it. Malls attract some of the largest crowds of any other establishment. You have so many people in such a varied space and so much money being exchanged on a daily basis. It's the ideal location for criminals. Malls often have multiple levels, stores, restaurants, movie theaters and more. Buildings are large and in between them are open plazas, both outside and in. You also have areas where merchandise is stored and delivered. Not only are malls practically a "welcome" sign for criminals, they can present a challenge for anyone looking to help beef up security. One way to do that is with security cameras and monitoring systems. Below you'll find some tips on where, why, and how you should place your mall's cameras.

Where should you place your small security cameras?

Malls usually contain a variety of types of stores and even unique building shape. Because of this, deciding where to place your cameras can be a tough decision to make. Here are some things to think about.

1. Does your mall already have security personnel? Cameras should always first be places in areas they are not always monitored or easily accessed by human eyes. If you have a security team, consider placing your cameras where they can't be on the lookout 24/7.
2. Who is allowed where in your mall? Do you have areas that can only be accessed by employees? Do you have areas where truck drivers from all over the country are making deliveries? Are there parts of your mall, such as lounging areas or stairwells, where customers can easily hide to commit a crime?
3. Do you have a parking lot of deck? Because of the size of your mall, you probably have a lot of places for people to park. Parking lots are not often monitored and are ideal places for a criminal to steal cars, rob and even assault your customers or employees.
4. Are there any areas of your mall that are prone to theft or criminal activity? Maybe several people have been robbed in one of your stairwells or on a certain side of your parking lot. Maybe one particular store sees a lot of theft. Maybe your courtyard is often vandalized. Keep this in mind when deciding where to put your cameras.
5. Does your mall connect to any other types of public buildings, such a subway tunnel? Public transportation housing is a particularly busy area where just anyone can and will walk in, with the intent to cause harm to your mall.

Why do malls need security cameras?
With so many different types of buildings all in one location, malls are very attractive to would-be thieves. From huge parking lots full of cars to large retail shops full of goods, a security camera can help those in charge of a mall's security monitor for illegal activity, as well as aid in the investigation in the event of a crime. Cameras can also help deter such crimes. If a would-be thief sees a camera watching their every move, they may think twice about taking something. Also, the presence of a camera can prevent a petty crime from escalating into something major.

Customers feel safer when they are being monitored by quality security cameras and safe customers are happy customers. Also, you can prevent major lawsuits by catching incidents involving customers on video. Monitoring employees is another advantage to having security cameras in your malls. In 2004, employee theft alone cost businesses in the United States over 40 billion dollars. Don't let your mall become part of this statistic.

How to place your mall security cameras.
So You've taken the plunge and purchased your cameras, but now you're not sure how to go about installing them? Here are some great tips that will help you get your security cameras up and working in no time!

1. Place cameras at all entrances and exits so that you can see who is coming and going at all times and capture all faces on cameras.
2. Place cameras in areas that are always full of people, such as food courts, courtyards, and lobbies.
3. Make sure you've taken precautions against weather or vandalism, especially with cameras placed outside.
4. Make sure you've got cameras in your storage areas so you can see what employees are up to at all times. The same goes for delivery or loading areas.
5. Call Camera Security Now at 877-422-1907 for more help and tips on putting security cameras in your mall!

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Security Cameras for Cruise Ships

When you think of businesses purchasing security cameras, cruise ships may not be high at the top of the list, but cruise ships have many common and unique security camera needs. A cruise ship is sort of like its own little town, with shops, entertainment ares, restaurants, sleeping quarters and much more. But unlike a regular small town, a cruise ship is floating in the middle of the ocean, and easily accessed by anyone from any country. With this in mind, there is lots to think about when purchasing a surveillance system for a cruise ship.

So, what all can a cruise ship security camera do for you?

• Crime Prevention - There have been several famous cases where cruise passengers have gone missing or were thought to be the victims of violent crimes. Not only were security cameras helpful to authorities in solving these crimes, but a criminal is less likely to commit a crime when he or she knows they're being watching.
• Provide Evidence - In the even a crime does take place on a cruise ship, security cameras can provide monumental evidence in court. Not only that, but if someone is injured or there is another type of accident that may lead to a lawsuit, visual images can save millions of dollars in damages fees.
• Fight Terrorism - As mentioned, a cruise ship spends much of its time floating in international waters and can be easily accessed by anyone from almost any country. For this reason, cruise ships could easily become a target of terrorism and security cameras can help monitor for potential danger.
• Monitor Employees - As with any business, there is always the potential for an employee to do something they're not supposed to. A cruise ship is so large and employees so many people, you can't always be everywhere to keep an eye on them, and a security camera system can do that for you, allowing you to view your employees from one remote location.

Once you decided to purchase a cruise ship surveillance camera system, there are some things you need to keep in mind as you work to place the system. What kind of security does your ship already offer? If you have security guards monitoring an area, adding cameras could end up being redundant. A more cost-effective measure would be to put cameras where human eyes can't always be present first. Also, if you have a casino on your ship, or any other type of area where large amounts of money are handled frequently, you'll want to be sure that cameras are keeping watch over that area as much as possible.

Is there a specific place on your cruise ship that is prone to accidents & injuries or crime. These places will also need to be considered for security cameras. Are there areas on your ship where cameras left alone could easily be tampered with or vandalized? You'll want to make sure your cameras are as tamper-proof as possible. And finally, be aware of your passengers' privacy. Never place cameras in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other areas where privacy can be a concern.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.