In an era where security is a top priority for commercial properties, the right choice of security cameras for commercial buildings is crucial.
This article delves into the world of DIY security cameras versus professional surveillance solutions, highlighting the nuances and considerations for property owners and managers to ensure optimal protection and efficiency in their security measures.
Evaluating Security Cameras for Commercial Buildings: Protection and Efficiency
Commercial properties take on many forms, from office buildings and medical centers to apartment complexes and hotel chains to shopping malls and cannabis dispensaries.
One commonality they all share: a recent uptick in criminal activity; it’s an issue felt in all industries, and in all cities and towns across the nation.
Whether it’s theft, vandalism or violent acts, it’s up to commercial owners and managers to keep their properties—and the people who work and shop there—safe with some kind of security system solution.
But finding the right one for your specific business (and your budget) can be challenging. One popular choice is a self-monitoring solution, using off-the-shelf surveillance cameras over on-site security officers or a professionally monitored service. But is that the most effective and efficient option?
The D’ohs and Don’ts of DIY Security Cameras
Without question, DIY surveillance cameras have improved over the last decade or two in terms of technology and communications. And they also come with affordable plans that are simple to upgrade, downgrade or cancel all together. Great, right? Sure, but…
A self-monitoring security solution puts the onus on the property owner or manager. They need to find the right equipment to purchase, choose where the cameras should be stationed and with each coming alert, make the decision to either ignore it or act upon it…and yes, they come often, and largely during the early A.M. hours!
There are other not-so-positive factors to consider:
- DIY cameras record crimes but don't prevent them. If your DIY system is not being actively monitored at the time a crime occurs, the best your camera can do is record the activity. By the time you see it, the thief or vandal is long gone. Cameras that are professionally monitored however allow operators to use lights, alarms and talk down technology to deter trespassers before a crime is committed.
- 24/7 monitoring is not a one-person job. Property owners and managers have enough job responsibilities requiring their attention that have nothing to do with guarding their building and surrounding areas. They also need their sleep at night. Making them the first (and often only) point of contact decreases the probability that your business is going to proactively prevent criminal acts from occurring.
- Unreliable security makes you liable. When you act as your own security staff, you become legally and financially responsible should a staff member or customer become the victim of a crime on your commercial property. This, by itself, is reason enough to strongly consider outsourcing security services for your property!
Advanced Security Camera Solutions for Commercial Properties
One key benefit of using a professional security service is knowing you have highly trained agents monitoring your property around-the-clock.
And most services, like Titan, understand that each commercial property has its own unique security needs, and offer a variety of solutions to choose from.
- Live Remote Monitoring provides 24/7 surveillance by licensed operators who are ready to react to any suspicious activity as it happens, warning intruders with lights, sirens, and talk-down speakers, or alerting law enforcement when necessary.
- Mobile Surveillance Towers are easily deployable camera-mounted units, such as poles, boxes or trailers, which can be positioned to offer 360-degree coverage of your site. And most, like Titan’s Virtual Guard, are watched over by a trained team of video analysts
- Blended Services are a “best of both worlds” option for commercial properties looking to combine the benefits of live remote monitoring with an on-site presence, such as security officers, patrol services, or both.
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