Are you worried about keeping your business, your stock, and your staff safe? You’re not alone. Protecting your business from theft, vandalism, and other security threats is really important, and that is a bit of an understatement. Think about it, the financial losses from theft alone can be crippling, especially for smaller firms.
Beyond that, there’s the disruption to your operations, the potential damage to your reputation, and the emotional toll it can take on you and your staff. Vandalism can leave your premises looking unsightly, and it can impact customer confidence. Then there is the feeling of your personal space being violated which can be really hard to come back from. In the UK, there are around 7.5 million security cameras. That works out to be about one camera for every eleven people. This makes the UK one of the countries in Europe with the most CCTV. In fact, London has about 691,000 cameras. This means there’s roughly 1 camera for every 13 people living there. A strong security camera system isn’t just about deterring criminals. It is a must-have.
Installing a commercial CCTV system could be the answer and you might be interested to know that Avigilon is a top camera brand in the commercial security field. This blog article will help you understand why these systems are so important for UK businesses and how to pick the right surveillance system for your needs.
Why Commercial CCTV is Vital for Your Business
Keeping your business safe from security breaches is a top priority. You’ll find that a complete CCTV camera system acts as a visible warning to potential criminals, lowering the chances of break-ins and theft. The best business will understand that cameras help to deter crime. In fact, businesses with CCTV can see a 13% drop in crime compared to those without it. It brings businesses the safety and camera security they need.
Did you know that in 2024, shoplifting offences in England and Wales rose by 29%? That’s a record 469,788 cases. Business CCTV systems are made specifically for this purpose. It’s clear that having CCTV is a smart move to protect shops from theft and keep staff safe. Plus, if something does happen, CCTV footage is really helpful evidence for investigations and insurance claims. Many insurance providers even offer lower premiums to those that use CCTV systems for businesses. It’s a win-win. A safe workplace also makes your employees and customers feel more comfortable, which is good for your business reputation. Choosing the best commercial security cameras is a very important decision.
Understanding the Different Types of CCTV Cameras
The CCTV market offers a lot of different surveillance systems, each with its own set of features and benefits. Knowing about different types of commercial CCTV cameras is important to help you make the right choice. Here are some popular camera options:
Dome Cameras
You’ve probably seen these around. They’re popular in shops and public areas because they’re quite small and their shape makes it hard to tell where they’re pointing. This discreet design can help to reduce vandalism. About 40% of businesses say that using dome cameras has helped improve how their staff behave and cut down on theft. These cameras are ideally suited for indoor and outdoor use.
Bullet Cameras
These are shaped like a cylinder and are great for watching things from far away. They’re often used outside because they can handle different weather conditions. Bullet CCTV cameras are ideal for keeping an eye on the edges of your property or your car park. Many also have infrared, so they work well when it’s dark, making it ideal for low-light conditions. These cameras are best suited to outdoor environments.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
These cameras are useful because you can move them around 360-degree and zoom in 25x using a remote control. This makes them really good for covering big areas like warehouses or even a casino. They are flexible and can follow moving objects. Places with PTZ cameras have seen up to a 20% drop in crime. Certain PTZ cameras have the ability to detect specific incidents. They also have high-resolution lens options.
Thermal Cameras
These cameras spot heat sensor readings, so they’re good for seeing in the dark or through things like smoke. This makes them useful for important places like airports where it’s vital to spot any problems.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Cameras
These cameras are good for managing who comes onto your property. They read car number plates automatically. They can be used to keep track of when vehicles come and go, as well as help with managing who’s allowed in.
Internal Dome Cameras
Best used indoors, these are perfect for covering a shop floor or small office space.
Each camera type serves a specific purpose, and the right choice depends on your business’s unique requirements. Some cameras within the Avigilon range have night vision.
The Benefits of Installing a Commercial CCTV System
Putting in a commercial CCTV system has loads of advantages:
Crime Deterrent
Just having security cameras around can stop criminals in their tracks. Businesses with CCTV systems see a 13% drop in crime compared to those without. It makes sense, as people are less likely to do something wrong if they know they’re being watched.
Evidence Gathering
If something does happen, the footage from your CCTV system can be really important for investigations and legal cases. It helps the police figure out what happened and can be key evidence in court.
Employee Monitoring
CCTV can help you make sure your staff are working as they should and can help sort out any internal security problems.
Remote Monitoring
You can look at live feeds and recordings from anywhere. This means you can always keep an eye on things, even when you’re not on-site. You can even transmit them through safe cloud systems. The system needs to be connected to a stable internet connection for this to work. It is a complete surveillance solution.
Lower Insurance Costs
A lot of insurers will give you a discount if you have a good CCTV system. They know it makes your business safer, and that means you’re less likely to make a claim.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your business is protected allows you to focus on specific growth and operations.
Choosing the Right CCTV System for Your Business
Picking the right camera system is about more than just choosing cameras. You need to think about a few important things:
- Location: Think about where the cameras will go. Will they be inside or outside? What are the lighting conditions like? How big is the area you need to cover? For example, the system you’d need for a warehouse would be very different from one for a casino. You need a system to monitor all areas of your business
- Purpose: What do you want the system to do? Do you need it for watching things, recording, controlling who comes in, or a mix of these? About 70% of businesses pick their camera types based on the specific areas they need to watch.
- Integration: Can the CCTV system work seamlessly with your current security setup, like your alarm system? Around 60% of businesses want a system that fits in with their other tech.
- Budget: Of course, you need to think about your budget. You want a good quality system, but it needs to be affordable and within your budget. The typical cost of putting in a commercial CCTV system in the UK can be anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000. It depends on how complicated the system is and how many cameras you need.
- Maintenance: Don’t forget that the system will need looking after. You need to know what maintenance will be needed to keep it working properly.
It’s a good idea to get advice from a professional to figure out the best setup for your situation. The system needs to be considered before you go ahead with the deployment. For instance, turret cameras are usually better for outside. When designing bespoke systems, it’s worth thinking about camera technology like HD, IR, and IP cameras. A good system will take into account the image quality that is needed. They will be able to advise on high-quality camera options.
The Importance of Professional CCTV Installation
While it might be tempting to put in your own CCTV system, getting a professional to do it is really important. Here’s why:
Expertise
Installers know their stuff. They understand the technical side of things and can work out the best places to put your cameras for the best coverage. They’ll know which is the right cable to use. In the UK, there are about 5.2 million CCTV cameras. That’s roughly 1 camera for every 13 people. It shows how much we rely on CCTV for safety. Professionals make sure your system is part of this big picture. They also look at your specific business and work out how to get rid of any blind spots.
Compliance
They’ll make sure your CCTV system follows all the legal and insurance rules. A study showed that 69% of businesses found that good lighting linked to CCTV was a great way to stop crime. Professionals can help you set this up right.
Efficiency
A professional installation means fewer mistakes that could stop your system from working properly. Getting it right the first time saves you hassle and makes sure your system is reliable.
Support
You get ongoing maintenance and help if you need it. This is really helpful for keeping your system in good shape.
Choosing a reputable specialist ensures your system is installed correctly and functions reliably. They will understand the different types of CCTV cameras that are available, such as Hikvision, and be able to advise on system design.
Remote Monitoring and Management
Modern CCTV systems often come with remote monitoring, letting you see live feeds and manage your system from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This is really handy and offers a lot of benefits:
- Real-Time Alerts: You get instant warnings about any dodgy activity. This is all possible because of advances in video analytics..
- Remote Access: Check on your commercial premises at any time, from anywhere.
- Enhanced Control: Adjust settings, review footage, and manage your system remotely.
The market for these tools is growing fast. It is expected to jump from £841.9 million in 2022 to about £2.01 billion by 2032. Remote monitoring adds an extra layer of safety and convenience, making sure you’re always in charge. Security monitoring is a key part of your overall camera security plan. Security teams can see this information in a control room. This can also be called video management software (VMS). Network video recorders are also available.
Choosing a CCTV Specialist Over a Non-Specialist Contractor
Going with a specialist CCTV installer instead of a general contractor is really important. Specialists have detailed knowledge of security systems and can create great solutions that fit your specific needs. Around 33% of UK businesses have security monitoring tools, and this number is even higher for medium and large businesses. Specialists keep up with the latest tech and best practices, making sure your system is current and works well. Non-specialist contractors might not have this expertise, which could lead to poor installations and not enough security coverage. A specialist will help you pick the right system for your business.
They will understand analytics and be able to offer a wireless system if you need it. They will also be able to offer analytics such as line crossing and intrusion detection. The video analytics will transmit this info back to the security teams in real-time. They will have knowledge of all the different camera brands, such as Hikvision and Avigilon.
Investing in a commercial CCTV system is a crucial step in protecting your business. From cameras acting as a deterrent to providing valuable evidence, the benefits are clear. By understanding the different types of systems, considering your specific needs, and choosing efficient installation, you can ensure your business is well-protected.
Ready to build up your business security? Contact Fastech today for a free consultation and a no-obligation quotation. Our skilled team will assess your needs and recommend the perfect CCTV system for your business. We can arrange a free site survey to get things moving. Call us or visit our website to get started. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Secure your business now!
