Installing CCTV on your premises can provide a whole host of advantages for your property and its surroundings. Here at Symetrix, we are industry leaders when it comes to the security camera system Sydney needs. With advancements in technology, many businesses are relying on hardware and software to keep them safe.
There are a number of benefits to using CCTV systems, such as preventing theft, protecting the contents of a building and improving security for staff and customers. However, like with many types of technology, CCTV also has some drawbacks, and there are some disadvantages to these systems as well. We’ll run through both the pros and cons of a CCTV security system so that you can weigh up whether it is an essential investment for your business.
PROS
Table of Contents
Deter crime
There is no doubt that CCTV systems can help reduce crime rates not just in public areas, but also private locations such as residential homes and office buildings. Acting as a deterrent for criminal activities when placed in a prominent, obvious location, CCTV can help prevent theft and shoplifting, burglaries and robberies, acts of vandalism and employee theft. This is of course one of the biggest benefits of installing security cameras. They have quite a significant effect on people’s behaviour, and even the thought of getting caught red-handed is enough to prevent people from carrying out illegal activities if they know that they are being filmed.
Increase safety
Alongside deterring crime, video surveillance footage from security cameras are helpful in improving security for staff and customers on site whilst protecting them both directly and indirectly as well as increasing overall safety.
Monitor activity
By monitoring activities of staff, customers and the general public, CCTV systems can maintain records and gather evidence, which is especially useful when it comes to legal matters. With regards to a legal scenario, eye witnesses can corroborate their experience of an event with real footage from the scene. Being able to easily consult these records and have a source of information when it comes to corroborating accounts and events has proved essential for many people. In an office or workplace setting, CCTV cameras can boost productivity.
CONS
Privacy concerns
A lot of people are uncomfortable by the idea of being constantly surveilled, so it’s easy to understand that CCTV makes people feel uneasy and raises questions regarding breaches of privacy and trust. In a workplace setting, this can sometimes stir up controversy because employees feel like they’re being watched and have often not consented to being under constant surveillance.
Don’t prevent crime
Although CCTV security systems do a fantastic job of preventing crime and theft, they do not fully stop crimes from occurring. However, criminals that are caught on CCTV or easier to prosecute because there is evidence against them. Whilst the CCTV cameras can record the crime as it happens, they cannot do anything to stop it from happening. They also need to be paired with alarm security systems in order to properly alert authorities.
Vulnerability
Like with any piece of technology, CCTV cameras can be tampered with, damaged and also be vulnerable to misuse, where savvy criminals can be knowledgeable in how to disable or access your CCTV system. Make sure that if you are installing a security system that you purchase your model from a trusted manufacturer and that all of the connections are secure and closed off in order to keep your system safe from being tampered with.
Cost
When it comes to security cameras, sometimes dummies can work in preventing crime and acting as a placebo in certain environments and are an affordable, cheap option. However, having the real deal when it comes to security cameras is preferable but definitely the more expensive option of the two. Criminals are unfortunately smart and dummy cameras give themselves away almost instantly.
Although there are some disadvantages to CCTV cameras, there is overwhelming evidence that points to the positives of such systems in both public and private environments. Once you’ve weighed both the pros and cons, you’ll be able to make a choice regarding what’s best for you.
