How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?

What You Need to Protect your Business with Security Cameras

When it comes to protection, security cameras are an excellent way to keep a business safe. However, many businesses naturally have questions about how to best use this technology.

Not only is it important to know how many security cameras should be used at a business, but the type of cameras, how they will be used, and where they should be placed is also essential.

Having a detailed plan and strategy is important, no matter how many security cameras you install.

However, for a business, you may need anywhere from 16 to 64 cameras, depending on the size of your property.

Some business owners may choose to install cameras one at a time or install them only in some areas and not others. This is often done for budgetary reasons, which is understandable, but it’s important to remember that leaving any part of your property unprotected is risky. Criminals look for weaknesses and exploit them, which can cost your business a significant amount of money.

Remember that, in most cases, when a criminal breaks into a site, they do more than steal assets. They also damage property. This not only costs money to repair, but time must be spent as well, and that can slow down your business.

Determining What Sort of Security Setup You Need

When you’re thinking about the number of cameras you need, you’ll need to look at several different factors, including:

• Your goals:  The goal of your security system will factor into how many security cameras you need. For instance, if your only goal is to prevent people from accessing your property, you may only want to install cameras outside, at the perimeter of your business. However, this won’t allow you to see what’s happening inside your property.
• The layout of your property:  Do you have a large parking lot? Is there adequate lighting installed? Are there many different buildings or areas? Are there corners and nooks that could serve as hiding places? Your layout will help you determine how many security cameras you need.
• The type of property and your business:  Are you especially vulnerable to theft? Do you have large windows or many different entry points? Does your business keep many valuables on hand? Are a lot of people going in and out of your property? Are there periods where no one (or a very small number of people) are on site?

Look at your property and think like a criminal. What would you want to steal? Where would you strike? How would you get in and out? Remember, as mentioned, criminals have no respect for your personal property. They’ll cause as much damage as needed if they can get what they’re looking for.

The Types of Security Cameras

Depending on your situation, certain cameras may be more useful than others. For instance, there are cameras that can survive harsher weather, which can be good if they’re placed outside and if you typically have rain, snow, or extreme heat or cold. You may also wish to use cameras that have night vision if they’ll be operating in dark areas, at night, or in locations where there isn’t much lighting.

There’s also a significant difference between security cameras that are not monitored compared to those that are. Unmonitored cameras provide evidence of crimes after they’ve happened, but they don’t offer much in terms of being a deterrent. Criminals know that they can use hoods, masks, or scarves to conceal their identities, and leave the scene before anyone arrives to stop them, so they aren’t deterred by cameras.

Security cameras that are monitored live by agents at a remote station do work to deter criminals. If agents notice a suspicious situation, such as someone lurking outside your property, they can use two-way speakers and other tools to deter the criminal from striking. Criminals will know that the police will be on the way if they don’t leave immediately. This will save your business a lot of money and hassle.

Choosing the Right Cameras for your Business

It’s important to remember that each property is unique and that there isn’t a simple “one size fits all” system that is right for every situation. Properties differ in size, layout, and in many different ways.

Even two properties that have the same square footage may require different security setups and therefore a different number of cameras. This is true if they each have unique layouts, but even two identical properties could require separate security solutions if the two businesses have different goals, work hours, types of assets on hand, etc.

Having a professional review your situation and determine the best application and placement for your security cameras will greatly increase security at your business. For more information, please contact Birdseye Security Solutions today.