Security cameras are useful for both homes and businesses. They can deter criminals from committing a crime by making them aware that they’re being recorded.
The best home security camera will depend on your needs. Consider the field of view, battery or wireless versus wired power, two-way talk, and integration with third-party devices. Click License Plate Recognition Camera to learn more.
- They Deter Crime
Many criminals think twice about breaking into a home or business with security cameras. Surveillance cameras act as a visual deterrent, signaling to potential burglars that they are being watched and recorded.
In addition, a security camera system can alert police to suspicious activity and provide them with key evidence that helps identify the suspects in a crime. That’s why surveillance cameras are so effective when used with other security measures like security lighting and alarm systems.
While they are not foolproof, studies in cities that have installed surveillance systems such as Baltimore and Chicago show that crime rates drop significantly when these types of cameras are used.
Surveillance cameras can also help deter theft in businesses, especially if they are used in combination with employee monitoring software. These tools can reveal if employees are taking inventory without authorization, skipping shifts, or even stealing money from customers. This type of theft is common in stores and other retail locations, but can be a problem for many businesses, costing them millions in losses each year.
To be effective, surveillance cameras must be positioned well on property and configured to alert the user of suspicious activity right away. That’s why it’s important to look for smart security cameras that use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize motion and alert you or your team. The best cameras can even distinguish between people, animals, and cars to avoid sending you false or unnecessary notifications. You can also find cameras that recognize faces and allow you to name family members or friends to receive super-specific notifications.
- They Deter Burglary
Some homeowners worry that security cameras will attract burglars, but the evidence suggests otherwise. A study of convicted burglars found that they didn’t choose a house to rob based on whether it had a camera or not. Instead, they analyzed the area to see if they could find an entry point or any other potential targets.
The study also found that most burglars were opportunistic, and they preferred houses that looked easy to break into. Burglars looked for ground-floor windows, remote garage doors, and homes with expensive cars in the driveway. In fact, most burglars specifically avoid houses with alarms and CCTV cameras.
Home security cameras are the best way to deter burglary. They make thieves think twice about targeting a property, and they help police catch criminals after the crime has been committed. However, you should take care to purchase a high-quality camera that’s not easily visible. For instance, you may want to consider a camera that blends in with the exterior of your home or uses a special tint.
You can even find security cameras that automatically send instant alerts to you, your security team, or law enforcement if they detect suspicious activity. This can be a big help if you’re worried about the safety of your pets or children when you’re not home.
It’s also important to pair security cameras with devices that warn intruders they’re being watched, like alarm burglar systems and floodlights. In a recent study, almost half of the former burglars interviewed said that they would search for an alarm before breaking into a home. If they didn’t find one, they’d likely move on to another target. Fortunately, there are plenty of smart home security options that are cheap enough to deter burglars.
- They Deter Shoplifting
In retail stores, security cameras are a powerful shoplifting deterrent. Regardless of whether it’s external theft or internal theft by employees, the threat of being caught red-handed on CCTV puts would-be thieves on edge and significantly reduces shoplifting incidents. And, if your store does experience a loss, having high-resolution footage helps speed up investigations and improves the chances of catching perpetrators.
CCTV cameras can be strategically placed to monitor sensitive areas such as cash drawers, jewelry cabinets, safes, and filing cabinets. They can also be positioned to capture a wide field of view for increased coverage, making it easier for security guards to spot and stop shoplifters. In addition to being a theft deterrent, CCTV cameras provide valuable insights that help retail managers quickly identify and resolve incidents of retail shrinkage.
Another way CCTV systems reduce internal theft is by giving employees a clearer picture of what’s happening on their shift. Streamlined video management systems, paired with facial recognition capabilities, enable instant notifications for suspicious activity and offer more complete coverage. This enables employees to quickly identify and respond to incidents of shoplifting, employee robbery, or other criminal activities without having to review hours of footage.
A key component of any crime prevention strategy is a well-trained and vigilant staff. This is especially important when preventing shoplifting, as thieves can strike at any time. Using CCTV to monitor sensitive areas and notify employees of suspicious activity encourages vigilance and fosters a collaborative security effort.
In the increasingly litigious world, security camera footage can be a lifesaver when it comes to frivolous lawsuits and false claims, like customers who claim slip-and-fall accidents or employees who report they were attacked by a customer. Secure CCTV footage provides an objective account of events, shielding retailers from costly legal battles and potential reputational damage.
- They Deter Drug Abuse
The visible presence of security cameras acts as a deterrent against drug abuse and other harmful activities on school grounds. Schools equipped with these systems have seen a reduction in incidents of bullying, fighting, vandalism and trespassing, as students think twice about harming each other or committing property damage if they know they’re being watched.
Video surveillance can be used to monitor drug diversion, where healthcare staff divert medications meant for patients to themselves. Installing cameras in medication storage areas, supply closets, and medicine carts can help to identify unauthorized use of controlled substances. A surveillance system can also monitor waste disposal areas to ensure that healthcare workers are properly disposing of and storing medications.
In addition to being a visual deterrent, surveillance camera footage can help law enforcement agencies catch criminals who commit crimes that are impossible to detect without video evidence. Whether it’s a case of armed robbery or a home burglary, security cameras can provide valuable evidence that helps to capture the culprit.
Whether you’re considering buying a wired or wireless security camera, make sure that you do your research first. You want to ensure that the company has a solid reputation and offers clear images. You’ll also want to consider the level of privacy that you require, as well as whether you’d prefer a camera that has audio capabilities, which can pick up private conversations and violate privacy rights. There are plenty of good options to choose from, including high-quality IR security cameras with an invisible infrared light that can see in low-light conditions. These can be especially useful if you have dark outdoor areas where you need to cover more ground and are unable to get a clear image with a regular camera.
- They Deter Organized Crime
The symbiotic relationship between surveillance and crime prevention is clear, and the effectiveness of security cameras is undeniable. From deterring criminals and capturing crucial evidence to helping police arrest perpetrators, security cameras play a vital role in our society.
Despite some controversy over whether or not cameras are effective at deterring crime, studies have shown that visible cameras act as a powerful deterrent for criminals. By causing criminals to think twice before committing a crime, security cameras can help prevent robberies, burglaries, theft, and vandalism.
Security cameras are also an invaluable resource for catching criminals after they have committed a crime. High-resolution cameras with night vision capabilities can capture clear images of perpetrators, providing valuable information to law enforcement and bolstering legal proceedings.
However, just because security cameras can catch criminals after the fact does not mean they do a good job of deterring crime before it happens. In order for security cameras to be effective at deterring crime, they must actively monitor the scene. Some companies use automated response digital signage and audio messaging to warn criminals that they are being watched. Others use facial recognition and skin texture technology to defeat attempts at disguise. These cameras can identify criminals and instantly send an alert to a supervisor or security team.
While some people may view the presence of security cameras as a violation of their privacy, most believe that it is a necessary compromise in the fight against crime. By promoting transparency and addressing concerns regarding surveillance, businesses can encourage community support for their safety initiatives. By securing areas and deterring criminals, security cameras can help business owners save money on insurance premiums, reduce the cost of theft loss, and create a safer work environment for employees.