
In a world where security and crime prevention are becoming increasingly important in the UK, many businesses may be asking themselves if installing video surveillance is a viable solution to their fears. Cameras are appearing all over the country and it has been reported that on any given day, an individual will be captured on a video surveillance camera up to 300 times per day. Businesses also have to listen to the statistics; a survey conducted in January 2006 found that over two-thirds of criminals would choose not burgle a premises that had video surveillance installed.
The biggest advantage that video surveillance brings is the ability to view multiple locations from a single screen, and this can not only increase security but decrease costs and the need for manned guarding. Setting up cameras on your premises not only acts as a deterrent, but also generates a feeling of raised security and well-being for your customers and your employees.
Video surveillance footage can be used in a court of law (as long as it complies with UK Police Requirements) to help prevent unscrupulous insurance claims or assaults on staff by members of the public. It is recommended that if you are considering having video surveillance installed, you invest in digitising your system – this ensures it complies with prosecution regulations and gives you a fast, reliable retrieval and analysis system.
Any business that uses video surveillance must advise anyone entering the premises that they are being recorded, which can usually be done by displaying signs. You must also notify the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) on the reasons why you are choosing to use video surveillance – by law, it should only be used for the purpose it was intended for. Anyone can ask to see images you have recorded of them, which you can charge up to £10 for and these must be provided within 40 days.
These rules however don’t apply on residential property which is being protected from burglary, so you don’t need to worry about complying with legislation at home. Video surveillance doesn’t require planning permission so it is quick and simple to install, and there isn’t the need to worry about building regulations.
In short, video surveillance is a valuable tool that can be used to protect your premises from the unwanted attention of burglars or thieves; it should be considered by businesses as a long term solution to the alternative security measures they may already have in place which are considered outdated – hiring security guards for example.
A professionally installed modern camera system can definitely help to safeguard the security of your business.
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