With the rise of crime rates and reports on terrorism, CCTV systems are becoming more of a necessity in today's business offices and shops' security. With cameras installed within their buildings and establishments, business owners, employees and customers alike will feel protected by the twenty-four hour watch the cameras provide.



CCTV, which means close circuit television, refers to the technology of installing a video camera in strategic places within a building. The recorded footages are then transmitted to a remote monitor. Having a CCTV system is convenient since not everyone can afford to employ a security personnel. The system equipments can be bought separately to fit the budget. What at first was an expensive and complicated system has become practical and affordable, but still provides the same usefulness and versatility. If an unexpected event did occur in the workplace, owners can rely on the video recordings as hard evidences of the event which transpired.

These cameras are small but powerful tools to prevent crimes. A would-be criminal would hesitate to act within the range of a camera, as his image would be clearly recorded and can be used to pursue him later. Studies in England show that CCTV systems installed in crime-susceptible areas led to 85% to 94% reduction of crime rates. Other malicious mischief such as vandalism and littering are greatly reduced as well.

This, in turn, would make employees feel safer within their workplace. The knowledge that their surroundings are being monitored gives peace of mind to the workers and, because they themselves too are being monitored, thus leads to better staff productivity. Customers and clients can walk in without worries as well, knowing that their safety and well-being are being looked after.

CCTVs come in different types and models. Some had a panning and tilting actions, while some gives a wide angle of the room. Some cameras transmit images wirelessly to a monitor while some uses cables. The cameras you choose must be in-line to the level of security that your business need. Black and white cameras, while being the least expensive, provide better resolution than coloured ones because of their sensitivity to light. Coloured cameras, while being more expensive, provide true-to-life colours and perfect for identification purposes. These cameras can be installed everywhere, indoors, outdoors, even underwater, and is sturdy enough to last a few years.

Some businesses opted to install "dummy" cameras in their buildings, because of the idea of safety the cameras provides. This practice should be completely discouraged, as court cases prove, because it provides a false sense of security for the workers and customers and has led to injury.

Providing security, reducing crime rates, giving your employees and customers sense of safety and peace are but a few benefits why having a CCTV system installed in your business is a good idea. You've worked hard and put in a lot of money for your business. What's spending a few more dollars if it meant the assurance of safety for your investment, employees and customers alike?