Mobile Surveillance Trailer capture videos indoors or outdoors to deter crime. They can also be used to monitor pets, kids, and vehicles.
Look for cameras with high video resolution and a wide field of view. Some also come with smart detection to help you distinguish between people and animals, and can connect to voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for additional functionality.
- Deter Crime
Security cameras deter crime by providing a visual record of events. Studies show that criminals are less likely to commit a crime in areas where they know they will be photographed. This is especially true in public places where crimes like robbery are most common. It’s also an excellent way to monitor construction sites, where a thief in a hard hat and high visibility vest may not get noticed by workers or by passersby.
The use of security cameras in residential and commercial settings is an effective crime prevention tool that can help to deter petty and serious burglaries, vandalism, property damage and even violence. These cameras can also be used to keep an eye on children and pets in a home or business while the owners are not present. Many of today’s smart security cameras have high-definition video capabilities, motion detection, night vision and more, making them an affordable and effective alternative to hiring a full-time guard.
Unlike traditional CCTV systems, which have fixed recording locations and a limited number of camera angles, smart security cameras can be installed anywhere, giving you the freedom to monitor your property in a variety of ways. Moreover, you can access the footage on your smartphone or tablet, even while you’re away from home.
However, it’s important to note that while functioning security cameras are proven to deter crime, they must be properly monitored to be effective. Additionally, privacy concerns need to be considered. Laws about how to protect your home or business’s surveillance cameras vary from country to country, so it’s best to check with local laws before you purchase any equipment.
- Monitor Your Property
Security cameras can help you keep an eye on your property even when you’re not there. Some security cameras offer motion detection sensors and alerts that can let you know if something unusual happens. Other features like two-way audio allow you to speak to people on your property through your phone or camera app. These are especially useful for keeping an eye on children and pets when you’re away from home or work.
When purchasing a camera that will connect to your home or business Wi-Fi, it’s important to check its connectivity. Look for a model that works on a 2.4 GHz network or on a dual-band router that supports both frequencies. Look for a camera that is secure and uses encrypted communication to protect your privacy. It’s also a good idea to check the company’s history of data breaches, as well as encryption standards and whether it adheres to U.S. privacy laws, as they vary by country and state.
While surveillance cameras can help you monitor your property, they don’t prevent crime from happening. If a crime does occur, the footage you have can provide valuable information to police about suspects. In addition, live surveillance cameras can provide real-time footage to a security team so they can see the crime as it’s happening and alert authorities. This can help prevent crimes before they happen and increase the speed at which police respond to a scene. It can also improve the accuracy of police reports, which are often based on limited information provided to officers on the scene. It also allows the police to provide more details about the incident, which can be particularly helpful for forensic evidence.
- Capture Evidence
Security cameras are an effective crime deterrence tool, but they also serve as a valuable piece of evidence when criminal activity does occur. The mere presence of cameras can make a potential criminal think twice about targeting your business, and high-resolution footage can help authorities identify suspects and capture their actions in the act. This can significantly increase the chances of a successful prosecution.
Security camera technology offers a variety of features that can be used for monitoring purposes, including night vision, motion detection, and the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom. Some cameras are connected to a video recorder for local storage, while others are designed to stream live video over the internet. Most of these systems can be accessed using a smartphone or computer. Some home security companies offer a service that allows you to grant temporary access to your livestream to emergency responders when you are in danger, which can speed up police response times and improve public safety.
Whether used as part of an overall security system or for standalone surveillance, security cameras provide an objective account of events free from human bias or interpretation. Crisp and detailed visual documentation is highly effective in legal proceedings, as judges and juries are more likely to accept it over a recounting of witness testimony or other forms of evidence. However, to ensure that surveillance footage is useful for legal purposes, it must be properly stored and maintained. This includes accurate time-stamping, labeling of each individual file, and a clear chain of custody. Regular backups and offsite storage can also help ensure that surveillance data is not lost or tampered with. If you choose to store your footage in-house, limiting the number of people with access and maintaining detailed logs can further enhance the credibility of security camera evidence.
- Monitor Your Employees
In addition to reducing crime, security cameras can also help monitor your employees. Employee theft and vandalism are common business issues that can cause serious revenue loss. In the event that a problem does arise, security footage can help your team resolve it more efficiently. Security camera systems can also monitor employee performance, which is useful for coaching and motivating your team.
Workplace disputes are a natural part of running a business, and it can be challenging to settle them without access to real evidence. Thankfully, security cameras can record instances of inappropriate touching or aggression and help resolve these disputes more quickly. In the age of the #metoo movement, it is particularly important to have a good working environment for your employees.
Additionally, businesses can use security camera footage to analyse daily business practices, such as customer traffic patterns or popular product areas. This can help managers make key decisions like store layout, staff schedules and more to improve overall business efficiency.
Lastly, security cameras can provide business owners with the ability to remotely access footage from anywhere, even when they are offsite. This is a great way to keep an eye on inventory, check in with a remote team or see how your business is performing after hours. Just be sure to limit the surveillance to areas where your employees don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy and make sure you post signs that notify them that their actions are being recorded. Also, be sure to check local privacy laws to ensure you’re following all applicable regulations. If you want to go beyond video, consider a system with audio capabilities as well.
- Reduce Insurance Premiums
For a business, security cameras can help reduce insurance premiums by deterring crime and monitoring property. This helps prevent the need for costly claims, and even false personal injury lawsuits that can cost businesses millions in compensation.
In fact, many insurers offer discounts to customers that install a commercial security system. The specifics vary depending on the insurer, but a general rule is that the surveillance system must be connected to a central alarm monitoring station so that emergency services can be dispatched as needed.
CCTV footage also offers valuable evidentiary support in the event of a theft or other incident. A camera’s record of events can help law enforcement identify perpetrators and prosecute them, as well as supporting a successful defence against liability claims brought by employees or customers.
Security cameras can be particularly useful in addressing disputes between staff members or with customers, by providing an accurate account of what actually happened. Whether it’s a disagreement over customer service or the way in which work was carried out, security cameras can help resolve these disputes quickly and fairly.
Lastly, a well-placed CCTV system can help mitigate the risk of damage to stock, machinery or other assets by ensuring that all activity around the premises is monitored. This is especially important for retail stores and other commercial businesses that have high-value goods on display.
Invest in quality, high-definition cameras that capture crystal clear images. Ensure that cameras are properly placed and cover all vulnerable areas of your premises, and that the system is professionally installed and monitored. Having a reliable system that can be managed from a smartphone or other mobile device is also desirable, as it allows you to keep tabs on your business even when you’re away.