Security Camera Benefits for Businesses

Business owners wear a lot of hats and can’t be everywhere at once. That’s why investing in security cameras is a smart business decision. By putting another set of eyes (and potentially ears) around the business, owners and managers can enjoy the security camera benefits of protecting employees and the business as a whole.

But let’s dig a little deeper.

The Importance of Strong Security

Why are security cameras important? Well, the list of reasons to protect your business is long. The most obvious advantage of security devices like cameras is that they lower the risk of burglary, shoplifting, vandalism, and a whole host of other criminal acts.

The Financial Impact of Theft

Property crimes like theft and vandalism made up an overwhelming 60.5% of the 8.9 million crimes reported in 2020, according to a December 2021 FBI report. This category of crime cost companies $17.2 billion in losses annually.

More than half (56%) of small retail businesses say they have experienced theft in the past year, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In addition, most say the issue has gotten worse over the past year. In response, 36% of surveyed business owners say they have enhanced security measures. Many are looking at the benefits of surveillance cameras.

The theft of merchandise, even in small amounts, goes straight to the bottom line. Understandably, this has prompted many businesses to increase their prices to make up for the losses. Raising prices makes it harder to compete in the market. In addition, many smaller businesses report being hesitant to file insurance claims because they don’t want premiums to skyrocket or their insurance to be withdrawn entirely.

Beyond Shoplifting

Further, it’s not limited to issues from the outside. Employee theft statistics can be disheartening. The issue goes beyond employees grabbing supplies for home use. The average cost per employee theft incident is 3x higher than the average cost of a shoplifting incident.

Moreover, businesses lose at least 5% of their annual revenue to employee fraud, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. The median loss per case was $1.5 million. Obviously, if there is a way to prevent internal and external threats by using security devices, it’s in the best interest of the business to do so.

Business Security Camera Benefits

With these facts in mind, the rationale for investigating the benefits of a security camera system is clear. Here are a few security camera pros to consider in a business setting—and a few cautionary notes, too.

Deter Theft by Customers and Employees

Thieves look for crimes of opportunity. If you give them a good reason to go elsewhere, they will. Never underestimate the benefits of surveillance cameras in public places where potential criminals can easily see them. The mere presence of security cameras is a deterrent to thieves.

The same is true for employees. If they know security cameras are watching, they’re less likely to steal on the job. Install multiple security cameras—enough that you can watch every potential entry point and vulnerable areas like cash registers. And consider bolstering the benefits of surveillance cameras with other security accessories such as motion-triggered lights and security alarms.

Evidence Speaks Louder than Words

If a crime occurs, security cameras provide the footage needed to both identify and prosecute the perpetrator. This is valuable information for the police that you wouldn’t otherwise have. Footage can also help prove or disprove liability claims for insurance purposes.

Another opportune application you might not have thought of: combatting sexual harassment. Having a security camera can help with preventing and investigating sexual harassment in the workplace, discouraging inappropriate behavior, and providing documentation of inappropriate behavior.

If your video footage is of high quality and clearly shows what happened, these are just a few of the situations that it can remedy.

Safety First

Both customers and employees feel safer if there are security cameras present. After all, the cameras show you are a safety- and security-conscious business.

For customers, this elevates your business’s profile in their minds. You value everything in your store, and here is proof. This is especially true if you sell expensive products or customers must leave personal items at your establishment for repair or similar reasons.

For employees, cameras assure them that you value their well-being. The cameras can also help you identify ways to enhance safety, change behaviors, or remove workplace hazards. If a safety issue arises, the benefits of a security camera system include capturing what happened so it can be used as a starting point for training purposes.

Eye on Productivity

Security cameras aren’t just an incentive for customers to act a certain way. They also can impact your employees’ behavior by enhancing productivity. Cameras provide another layer of accountability. Most people behave better when they know they’re being watched.

Track Business Opportunities

This is particularly true in retail settings. A non-security benefit of surveillance is the opportunity to learn about customer behavior by reviewing footage. This will provide valuable insight that you can translate into smart business decisions. One example? Find which traffic patterns are most common and rearrange inventory to take full advantage of popular areas.

Drawbacks of (Some) Security Cameras

Clearly, getting a security camera for business benefits you and your employees in many ways. But tread carefully: not all camera systems are created equal. Some business owners may mention the following as potential cons to getting surveillance cameras. And depending on their chosen system, they’re right.

They’re an Investment

Security cameras, at least quality ones, are undeniably a recognizable investment. That said, it’s hard to put a price tag on the peace of mind and security they provide. Cameras are significantly less costly than hiring security guards to patrol every inch of your property. And cameras aren’t susceptible to human error. (Plus, when is the last time you saw a person with night vision, sirens, or zoom?)

The good news is that cameras come at many different price points. Find the best option that suits your budget for the strongest possible protection.

Privacy Concerns

You may have employees who believe security cameras are an infringement on their privacy. This is only the case if you do not observe video surveillance laws. These laws prohibit the placement of security cameras in areas such as bathrooms, changing areas, or other locations where a modicum of privacy is expected.

Play by the book and post notices about your business property’s surveillance. Some people may still feel uncomfortable with the knowledge that cameras are watching, but at least you’ll be legally compliant.

Challenges with Monitoring

Monitoring your own security camera footage is time-consuming and can be quite disruptive. You might receive push notifications to check the live footage anytime there’s movement near your property. For your average system, that means a lot of junk notifications about pedestrians, passing cars, rustling leaves, or local wildlife.

Even if a false alarm is a relief, it’s still annoying. Avoid this by investing in a system that uses live monitoring or smart object detection—ideally, both. Deep Sentinel is up to the task.

With sophisticated AI and live security guards who interact with suspects via live two-way audio, Deep Sentinel does the “heavy lifting” and frees you from that responsibility. The system’s deep learning algorithm filters out the false alarms that fool traditional security systems. You only get a notification about real emergencies. Deep Sentinel guards intervene to stop the crime in progress and, if needed, notify law enforcement.

Fears of Getting Hacked

With any modern technology, data privacy is an understandable concern. Your security footage might contain confidential or sensitive information, and you don’t want that in the wrong hands. Unfortunately, the more interconnected your technology is, the more vulnerable the entire system is to hacking and other attacks. Can security cameras be hacked? Yes, some of them.

Deep Sentinel’s focus on safety and security extends to the security of access. The system specifically and intentionally does not integrate with smart technology like Alexa or Google Assistant for security reasons. This prevents the hacking that has happened with most of the major players in this space. All video data is transmitted via a secure wireless connection for onsite processing before the system alerts guards about potential threats.

The Answer: Deep Sentinel for Businesses

When you look at the big picture, it’s clear why surveillance is good for business. The peace of mind that quality business security cameras provide is well worth the investment, not to mention the money you’ll save by preventing crime, substantiating insurance claims, and encouraging productivity.

But make sure you get the right cameras. Deep Sentinel offers superior protection for your business at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time guards. A Deep Sentinel security camera benefits your entire business.