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11 Security Tips For Retail And Cash Businesses

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Security tips retail cash register

 

Retailers and cash businesses are high risk categories for targeted theft. Businesses in the liquor, pharmacy and nightclub/bar trades are extremely high risk categories.

These recommendations have been provided by professionals who have extensive experience in retail and cash business security.

 

 

Primary security systems

 

  • Get a burglar alarm installed by a professional alarm company!

 

  • Make sure your installer has shown you how to check your alarm system is operating properly. Then set a testing schedule every 6 months so you know your system is in good working order

 

  • Have your security system monitored by a professional monitored alarm company

 

  • Install a CCTV surveillance system for the exterior and interior, particularly at entrances and the till/counter area

 

 

 

Secondary security systems

 

  • Consider installing a safe with a drop-chute, businesses which handle large amounts of cash should be depositing sums throughout the day to ensure complete days takings are not held in tills

 

  • Consider installing a panic button at the till area

 

  • Convex mirrors allow you to see down aisles and in corners where shoplifters are most likely to steal, they are also a good deterrent

 

  • Display burglar alarm and monitored alarm stickers/signs prominently on gates, entrances and windows as deterrents

 

 

 

Security procedures

 

  • If you sell high risk items such as cigarettes, insure minimal stock is kept on display and on premises. If possible store excess stock in a locked safe, and move all stock to the safe on close of business

 

  • Particularly if your business is in an extremely high risk sector such as liquor retail ensure you have at least two staff members on site and visible throughout trading.

 

  • Always ensure you have at least two people on site for closing

 

 

 

 

Business Access Control Systems

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business access control biometric iris

 

Access control directs how employees, contractors and visitors gain entry and exit to and from your commercial site.

Access control systems are well worth considering as part of your security system upgrade. They are able to be fully integrated with CCTV and monitored alarms giving you trusted security and a clear picture of what is happening on your site whether you are present or not.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of business access control

 

  • Security improvements

No more lost employee keys or worrying about potential security breaches when a disgruntled employee leaves the company

With an access control system, employee access to the building can be immediately erased from the system and completely withdrawn.

 

  • Entry and exit records

Access control systems keep track of all entries and exits. Know when employees started work for the day and left at the end and who oddly came back at 9pm for half an hour.

 

  • Access limitation

Access control systems allow you to setup people for different levels of access to the building during restricted times.

For instance, contracting clearers may be given an access code which allows them access the building between the hours of 7-10pm Monday to Friday, outside of these hours their access code will not work.

A part time telemarketing employee may have no business being on any floor other than level 1, thus their proximity card only allows access to level 1 of the building

 

 

 

 

Types of access control systems

 

Many access control systems are combining two or more access control methods for flexibility and additional levels of security. e.g. A proximity card pad with finger print access control

 

  • Proximity card access control

Currently the most common type of access control system for commercial applications. Unlike old technology swipe card systems which require the magnetic strip to pass through the reader, proximity cards only need to be waved over the reader to work.

Ideal suited to both small, medium and large business applications

 

  • Keypad access control

Keypads and an extremely popular method of access control, they require numerical passwords that are used for keyless entry. Multiple passwords including temporary passwords can be programmed for flexibility.

Best suited for small to medium sized businesses

 

 

Biometric access control

 

A sub-catagory of access control that utilises a part of human body for identification. This includes finger print scanning, voice recognition, iris scanning, facial scanning. The trend in popularity is a move towards non invasive biometrics which require zero physical contact with person and scanner.

 

  • Finger print scanning

Fingerprint scanners are well tested, fast and one of the most reliable biometric access control systems in the market at present. Finger print scanners come with attendance software which operates like a detailed punch card for employees. Fully integratable with burglar alarms, finger printer scanners are best suited to smaller and medium sized operations

 

  • Iris scanning

Not to be confused with retina scanning which is an entirely different process. Iris scanning seems a bit futuristic though is already being applied in access control by high end hotels, leading airports and other forward thinking businesses

While still at the premium pricing end of the biometric access control market, iris scanning is quickly gaining popularity for it’s high data capturing ability and non intrusive nature.

Ideally suited for medium to large businesses

 

  • Facial scanning

Facial scanning is extremely accurate with a low error rate and lightening fast speed. Costs are currently high for this for this newer biometric, although as prices steadily decrease it is sure to be a favored method of access control.

Best suited for medium to large operations

 

  •  Voice recognition

While there are a number of voice recognition access control products on the market many security professionals feel their reliability is not yet high enough when compared to other biometric access control alternatives.

As interest and demand is high, access control hardware companies are continuously improving voice recognition technology, it will not be long before voice recognition access control products are as reliable as finger print scanners.

 

 

 

 

Summary

A growing number of New Zealand businesses are now installing access control systems to improve site security and employee time record keeping.

The biometric access control business is focusing on the continued development of less invasive methods of scanning.

While keypad and fingerprint scanners systems remain the most popular in the NZ market, we can expect to see more voice and facial recognition technologies jostling for better position.

 

 

 

 

How Home Access Control Systems Improve Security

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Home access control systems fingerprint

Access control at is most basic is an electronic system that is a modern alternative to traditional lock and key entry. Your access control method dictates how people gain entry and exit your home.

Ten years ago only commercial premises used access control systems. However as prices have come down many modern homes are taking extra steps to improve home security and entry/exit convenience by installing different forms of access control.

 

Benefits of home access control

 

  • Convenience

Keyless entry for your car is great, why not for your house too, never forget your house key or lock yourself out

 

  • Security

Need to provide a contractor access to your home for a kitchen renovation? No problem, issue them with a temporary password which can even be set to work within certain hours No more worrying about multiple keys to your front door in the hands of dozens of different contractors.

 

  • Monitoring

Detailed entry and exit records, want to know what time your teenager got home on Saturday night?

 

Types of home access control systems

 

  • Key pad access control

Operates using numerical passwords to gain entry, all members of the household can set their own passwords to allow for easy identification.
 
Temporary passwords can also be issued to visitors/trades people who need to have access for a short periods of time.
 

  • Fingerprint access control

Access is granted by use of quick scanning of a finger print. Many finger print access control systems also combine a pin key pad for fully integrated access control

 

  • Proximity card access control

Though seldom used in residential applications, proximity cards work by waving them over the reading sensor, cards can easily be erased from the system if lost of stolen

 

Home biometric access control

 

Biometric access control is defined as an access control system which uses a particularly part of the human body to be identified by a scanner. Common forms of biometric access control include fingerprint, iris/retina, voice, facial.

However at this time only fingerprint biometric access control is commonly used and installed in New Zealand homes.

 

Access control prices

  • Key pad access control

The most cost effective method of home access control, entry level systems can cost as little as $800 installed. Installation includes wiring of the key pad and of the electronic dead bolt door lock

 

  • Fingerprint access control

In recent years fingerprint access control costs have come down in price, partially entry level systems which are best suited for residential use. $1000 can get your standard door lock replaced with a professionally installed finger print only reader and electronic dead bolt system.

 

Summary

Home access control systems provide improved security, convenience and entry/exit records.

Currently both keypad and fingerprint access control systems offer the best value and reliability for New Zealand homes.

 

Alarm Monitoring Systems

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Alarm monitoring response centre

Alarm monitoring systems ensure a security guard will quickly respond in the event of your burglar alarm being triggered any hour of the day or night.

While break ins will always be a real possibility no matter how advanced your security system, monitored alarm systems ensure burglars have a very narrow window – often less than 10 minutes to perform their robbery.

This means they will be restricted to taking smaller items, cause less damage and have great difficulties in accessing safes.

 

 

Communication technology

 

Security alarms are connected to your monitoring service via different forms of communication technology. Which form of communication depends on your chosen alarm system and its compatibility with your monitoring company

 

  • Phone lines

The original and still most popular communication system for monitored alarms in New Zealand. They are reliable and are simple to set up using existing phone lines.

Unfortunately it is becoming more common, particularly with commercial premises and warehouses for thieves to cut phone lines before breaking in.

Phone lines also have limited and slower data transfer capabilities than other technologies

 

  • Cellular radio

Wireless digital transmission is popular as it allows for more data to be transferred at greater speeds.

As it uses radio waves, it isn’t as vulnerable to simple line cutting sabotage like phone lines. A downside is cellular radio equipment requires eletricity to operate and backup batteries generally last less than half a day.

 

  • Internet

Transfers of large amounts of data at increasingly quick speeds is a clear advantage of an internet capable monitored alarm system.

However one of the key advantages of internet over other technologies is it allows for remote monitoring and surveillance viewing direct to your computer or cellphone.

The main drawback relates to reliability as internet connections remain vulnerable to power and connection outages.

 

 

Alarm monitoring costs

Monitoring companies will seldom charge an initial setup fee. Ongoing charges are approximately $1 a day to be connected to a monitoring service. For this cost you get a ‘watch’ on your site 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

 

 

How does monitoring work?

 

Upon receiving an alarm activation, your alarm monitoring company will dispatch a patrol car to the site.

Larger security monitoring companies will have an in-house security patrol team.

Smaller monitoring companies will contract out to a specialised security guard company.

Security guards will check site entrances, if keys are held they will also check internally, particularly the activated sensor area and reset the alarm if required. Guards are also required to provide a written report included arrival and departure time to and from site.

 

 

Sensor notification calls

 

While it can be a hassle with late night false alarms, it is advisable to instruct your monitoring company to call 1 or 2 designated people before dispatching a callout.

A high percentage of activations tend to be false alarms due to over sensitive sensors, loud external noise and false movement inside a site.

So in the event you can get to the site quickly or you are certain that is a false alarm due to someone being onsite you will save callout fees.

 

 

Factors to consider

 

When choosing a monitoring company there are a number of factors you should consider. The most important are explained below:-

 

  • Distance from patrol dispatch office to monitored property

When your alarm is triggered you want to know a patrol is going to arrive in time to thwart theft and damage to your property.

If you ask an alarm monitoring company how long it will take a patrol car to reach a site, they are likely to under estimate the time it takes to arrive to a site.

Instead you need to know the distance from the patrol dispatch office to your site and the approximate drive time, as a guide – less than 10 minutes from dispatch to site arrival is good.

 

  • Cost of call outs

Call out rates in New Zealand range between $60-90 depending on the monitoring company. Frequent call outs can add up over the year, so it pays to compare rates.

 

  • Reputation

Check the alarm monitoring companies your neighbors/ neighboring business use, ask them about their experiences, costs, dispatch arrival times

 

 

Summary

 

There is little point having an alarm siren sound if nobody is going to do anything about it. These days burglar alarms go off all the time and people just ignore them. A monitored alarm ensures a response team on site in the event of a sensor activation.

For their low monthly cost, monitored alarm systems provide a thick additional layer of security for your home or commercial site.

 

 

 

Burglar Alarms Auckland – Your Complete Guide

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Touch screen alarm panel

 

Official records for 2014 published by the New Zealand police show 7269 reported cases of unlawful entry with intent/burglary for the Auckland region.

Of those reported cases 71% related to private homes and only 8% were satisfactorily resolved

 

The greatest number of recorded home burglaries take place in the West Auckland region

 

Home security systems are used to protect homes from unauthorized intruders, theft and willful damage.

 

They work by monitoring key potential break-in points using a variety of different detectors/sensors.

Once a sensor is triggered, internal and external sirens are activated (except in cases where a silent alarm is utilized) and in cases of monitored alarms being installed, the monitoring company is immediately alerted.

 

 

 

Key Components of Home Security Systems

 

Paradox Envy DG-85 sensor

  • Sensors/detectors

Sometimes refereed to generically as motion detectors, though different types of sensors number in the twenties, they all have various applications and range greatly in cost.

 

The most common and cost effective type of sensors are passive infra-red (PIR), which detect heat from objects in a given area.

 

 

  • Alarm control panel / Premises control unit (PCU)

The main computer control center for the home alarm system, simply a motherboard enclosed in a protective metal case. The control panel monitors the sensors, records activation / deactivation history and relays information to the monitoring company.

 

 

  • Keypad

Displays active sensors and zones of a site, a numerical keypad for manual arm/disarming of the alarm. Modern high end keypads now come complete with touch screens

 

 

  • Backup battery

An alternative power source in case of a cut to your mains power. A standard backup battery will need to be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure your alarm works in an extended power cut

 

 

  • Sirens

Most burglar alarms will have at least one internal and one external siren, these are designed to draw attention to the site and to encourage the intruder to make a hasty exit.

Some security systems are set up as ‘silent alarms’ – equipped without sirens, the idea is a secret alert is sent to the monitoring company and the unaware thief is caught on site.

 

Silent alarms are more common for commercial installations where the same thieves may be targeting your business.

 

 

 

Home Alarm Upgrades

 

 

The potential upgrades and add ons for residential burglar alarms are virtually endless. Below are some of the more popular additions for home security systems

 

Home alarm remote control

  • Remote control arm/disarm

Remote control key rings are popular as they offer the same convenience of arming and disarming a car alarm with a push of a single button.

Most alarm companies offer these as an optional add-on to your burglar alarm installation.

 

 

  • Panic buttons

Often installed separately at bed side in the master bedroom, they are also come as standard features on most alarm keypads.

Panic buttons allow home occupants to immediately sound an siren or silent alarm, they are often wired in with a monitored alarm to allow immediate response by security guard personal.

 

 

  • Fire / smoke detectors

Advanced sensors which detect smoke are a valuable addition to your home security system. These detectors are installed specifically to work together with your home alarm system.

 

If you are running a connected service, upon a smoke/heat sensor triggering, the monitoring company will receive a fire signal which they can alert the fire service if required.

View our post on the best brands of smoke detectors here

 

 

  • Burglar alarms and cats

Cat and small dog friendly home security systems are becoming common place with many alarm installation companies offering pet ignore sensors that are able to differentiate between humans and animals.

Thus avoiding frequent costly false alarm activations

 

 

  • CCTV / Video surveillance

CCTV cameras prominently displayed on the exterior of residences are are strong deterrents for criminals. Should your property be broken into, video footage is then available for the police to study and will improve chances for prosecution.

 

For both commercial and home alarm system installation, professional alarm companies will select the most suitable surveillance equipment and installation method based on requirements and budget

 

 

 

How Much Do Home Security Systems Cost?

 

dollar sign

In Auckland home security systems installed by a professional security companies start at $600-700.

This cost is based on an entry level system from a know brand with all the components you need for a fully functioning alarm.

 

 

A complete basic package should include:-

 

– Alarm control panel

– Backup battery

– 2 infa-red (PIR) sensors

– Key pad

– Internal siren

– External siren

 

You can expect to pay around $100 for each standard additional infra-red (PIR) sensor. These are an important addition if you have a larger house with more potential break-in points.

Costs increase from there for better quality components and the add on of additional home alarm system upgrades previously discussed.

 

For our recommendations on the top burglar brands in NZ check out this post

 

 

 

Alarm Installation Methods

 

alarm installer

  • Hard wired alarm system

All sensors, control panel and key pads are wired into the homes mains supply with a backup battery in case of a power outage.

 

Best suited for install in new homes before completion, where running new cabling is not a problem

 

 

  • Wireless alarm system

Removes the need for any wiring installation with all parts of the system being self battery powered. Wireless alarm systems have been pegged as inferior to hard wired systems, however technology improvements have seen the development of many quality wireless systems.

 

Beware of entry level self install wireless systems as they can be prone to false alarms and signal problems.

 

Wireless systems are best suited for existing build homes and rentals where running new cabling is problematic.

With wireless technology ever improving, expect hardwired systems to be slowly phased out

 

 

  • Hybrid alarm system

Elements of both a hard wired and wireless system, e.g. control panel and key pads maybe hard wired, though all sensors are wireless

 

 

 

 

Summary

 

Next to dead bolting windows and doors, home alarm systems are your second defense against intruders.

Home burglaries have remained on an uptrend since 1996

 

Use our form on the left to get a competitive quote for burglar alarms in Auckland

 

Secure your home now

 

 

 

Auckland Commercial Alarm Systems

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Auckland Commercial alarm systems warehouse

Break and enter records for 2012 published by the NZ Police show 7334 reported cases for the Auckland area.

More than 28% of these cases relate to to commercial premises and frighteningly only 7.8% of cases were actually resolved

 

Commercial alarm systems are required to be more sophisticated than home alarm systems as they are designed and installed to protect property of far greater value.

Warehouses, retail shops, hotels, restaurants and offices all require alarms systems to protect inventory, equipment and information.

 

The most common improvements from simple home burglar alarms include an improved variety of sensors and the installation of  CCTV / IP surveillance cameras

 

 

CCTV / IP camera systems

 

Internal and external site surveillance recording is a strong deterrent for burglars, installing CCTV at front entrances where they can be easily seen from road side can stop many unplanned burglaries.

Should a break in occur from a planned burglary, camera footage can be used in identifying thieves. Though in many burglary situations, especially night time robberies – intruders will be wearing head coverings like balaclavas making identification difficult.

 

In these situations CCTV is still very useful in assessing how intruders gained access to the site, what they were looking for and improving overall security to minimize future break ins.

 

Security cameras improve employee safety on site, by monitoring what happens on site during and after hours. Any problem events will be captured on camera and can be used to identify perpetrators.

 

For retailers, CCTV has long been used to lower instances of shoplifting and employee theft. Both of which are large contributors to decreases in profits for businesses

 

 

Commercial access control

 

Swipe card access control is the most popular and common form of access control for commercial sites.

 

Keypad access control is still widely used commercial sites, used however lacks some of the flexibility allowed by more modern swipe card systems.

 

Finger print access control is the second most popular form of access control in NZ and is used by a lot of smaller to medium businesses.

 

Access control improves security by enabling different levels of access to be granted to separate people, instant cancellation of access when required and of course detailed access history records.

 

 

Sensor upgrades

 

While home alarm systems commonly use simple infra-red motion sensors, high tech sensors are more suitable for commercial applications

 

  • Glass break sensors

Glass break sensors pickup the frequency of broken glass, installed near main windows or glass doors

 

  • Photoelectric detectors / point to point beams

These sensors emit a beam between that runs between to two laser units, if something passes through the beam, the alarm is activated (think red light beams and diamond heist movies)

 

  • Vibration detectors / shock sensors

Vibration detectors sense the vibrations made when a break in attempt is in place. They are installed at break in entrances i.e windows and doors.

 

  • Reed switches

These magnetic sensors are used to detect unauthorized opening of doors and windows.

 They work by operating as a closed circuit and are activated when the magnetic circuit is broken i.e when the door or window is opened.

 

 

Smoke screen security

 

Smoke screen devices work by emitting a thick cloud of non-staining smoke upon break-in. This makes it difficult if not impossible for thieves to find what they are looking for and move about the site.

Smoke screen security are an effective means of internal security as they can help to foil burglary attempts even after thieves gain access into the building.

They are becoming especially popular with businesses who hold valuable stock which can easily be stolen in a smash and grab burglary.

 

 

Summary

 

Talk to our alarm installation professionals about the variety of fully customizable commercial alarm systems.

They will tailor them to your unique business taking into account your unique associated business risks.

If the need and the budget is there for your business to install a high tech commercial alarm system. You will be pleased to know there are virtually limitless upgrades in system features available on the market, remember the security system for the Bellagio vault in the Ocean’s Eleven, this gives you an idea of what is possible.

 

 

 

IP Cameras VS. CCTV Cameras NZ

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IP security cameras vs CCTV cameras in NZ

IP security cameras (Internet protocol security cameras) have been available for several years in New Zealand, however due to higher pricing in they have been slow to take off in NZ.

 

CCTV cameras (closed circuit television cameras) have been around since the 1970’s and have continually matured as surveillance technology has improved.

 

Analogue CCTV systems have been the industry choice for both home and commercial applications for decades. They still remain the top selling security camera type in the New Zealand surveillance market. However things are quickly changing and with all the added functionality of IP cameras and their falling costs, popularity of IP cameras looks set to pass CCTV cameras in a short space of time.

 

New Zealand security camera professionals remain divided between IP camera systems and CCTV security camera systems, with both systems offering unique pluses and minuses.

 

The main benefits and negatives for each system are set out below:-

 

 

 

CCTV camera benefits

 

  • Reliability

CCTV systems are totally on site therefor they are not open to the same network and connection problems faced by IP cameras

Used for over 4 decades, CCTV cameras have gone though many technical advancements and refinements

 

 

  • Cost effective

CCTV camera systems are substantially cheaper to purchase and install than comparable quality IP camera systems

 

 

CCTV camera negatives

 

  • Low resolution

The maximum level of resolution for CCTV cameras is 0.4 megapixels and yes in a world where 8 mega pixel cameras come standard on smartphones, it’s paltry.

Low resolution can be a huge disadvantage when trying to identify faces or zooming for proof of stolen items in a shoplifting situation.

 

 

 

IP camera systems benefits

 

 

  • High resolution

IP cameras currently produce images of up to 8 megapixels, which are good for zooming in on human faces, vehicle license plates and specific areas of a still image without noticeable loss in quality.

 

 

  • Remote viewing

IP cameras are able to be viewed remotely using computers/laptops or smartphones

An often under sold benefit of quality remote viewing IP cameras is that with the right set up and software you can save on monthly alarm monitoring and callout fees.

When you receive a trigger activation, you can immediately access your live security system stream to confirm wether it is a false alarm or an actual threat which requires an emergency call to the police.

 

 

  • Wireless networks

IP cameras can easily be linked together with other IP cameras to provide full site surveillance without the need for additional wiring

 

 

  • Encryption and interfacing

IP cameras provide secure data transmission though passwords, encryption and interfacing

 

 

 

IP camera systems negatives

 

  • Costs

While we have noted the decreasing costs of quality IP cameras in NZ. A good IP camera system will still cost approximately double of what you would pay for a similar level analogue CCTV system.

 

 

  • Network reliant

IP cameras transmit data through networks, this leaves them open to potential connection outages and glitches.

 

 

 

Summary and recommendations

 

While inexpensive IP cameras are now available, before purchasing it pays to throughly understand the encryption and security features of your cameras while transmitting data.

Where CCTV footage is recorded and kept on site, instances of data theft remain low. However data thief and interception of IP camera feeds is becoming more common place and can compromise safety of the very things your are looking to secure.

Buyers should carefully weigh the importance of the 3 main factors when deciding between installing CCTV security cameras or IP security cameras for their own situation

 

  • Cost
  • Reliability
  • Remote accessibility

 

 

 

 

 

CCTV Cameras NZ Overview

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CCTV cameras in NZ blue
In New Zealand CCTV has almost become an interchangeable term with security camera system and while CCTV still remains the dominant of two types, IP cameras have been steadily been gaining popularity.

This CCTV cameras NZ article gives you a rundown on the components which make up a typical CCTV system, CCTV applications and a quick guide on what you can expect to pay to get CCTV setup

 

CCTV components

 

  • Cameras

Cameras are split into indoor and outdoor varieties

Indoor models tend to be dome shaped with blackened covers which keeps their movement direction secret.

Outdoor models are often incased in rectangular boxes which protects them from the weather

Analog CCTV cameras have lower resolution capabilities (clarity of image) when compared to IP CCTV cameras.

Analog cameras have a maximum VGA resolution of 800 x 600 where as IP cameras allow for Super VGA resolution at 1280 x 1024 which is more than double the clarity of analog

CCTV systems are usually installed with a minimum of 2 cameras for small sites. Larger sites may have 12 or many more interconnected cameras running.

 

  • Video recorder (DVR/NVR)

Digital video recorders (DVR)

Analog systems use digital video recorders, not unlike your DVR you use with your television.

The unit is linked up with the installed CCTV cameras and records footage onto a hard drive (standard internal memory is currently 1TB), removable memory cards or some cases rewritable DVD’s.

 

Network video recorders (NVD)

IP camera systems call for a different type of recorder called NVD’s. Their purpose is the same as a DVR and are intended as a recording and storage device for CCTV camera footage.

 

  • Monitor

Monitors are simply computer/tv screens used for real-time viewing of security camera footage, there are two general locations for monitor use – private or public

 

Private

Monitors are installed away from central view, in a security office, or back office. They are used to keep watch over staff and customer actions while the person monitoring is away from the camera covered area.

 

Public

These monitors that are installed in plain view of the public/customers. Often positioned at shop entrances, they act as a shop lifting deterrent by alerting customers to the fact that their actions are being monitored

 

 

CCTV for home security

 

Home security cameras have previously only been accessible for NZ homeowners in million dollar suburbs. However with vast improvements in technology, home security cameras are becoming increasing popular and are both cheaper to both purchase and monitor.

 

Elevated security cameras installed at entrance gates and front doors are excellent deterrents for would be intruders. Thieves rightly perceive that residences with CCTV cameras are well guarded and will usually move onto easier prospects.

 

 

CCTV for commercial security

 

CCTV surveillance is no longer just the domain of large retailers looking to reduce shop lifting. Security cameras in commercial setting are commonly been used to:-

 

  • Reduce in-house theft

Retailers know that employee theft is a much higher risk to a business’s bottom line than shop lifting. Many cash based businesses have had huge damage done to their balance sheets as a result of employee theft, plenty have also gone broke as a direct result.

Installing CCTV cameras at counter/till areas reduces the temptation for dishonesty with cash.

 

  • Reduce break ins and external theft

Prevention is often thought of as most effective security. Mounting CCTV cameras at prominent entry points along with signage deters opportunistic thieves and vandals from targeting your site

 

  • Improve employee safety on site

CCTV allows monitoring of all visitors that enter and exit the building and their actions. Surveillance in car parks helps to keep employees safer, particularly after hours.

Cameras are also able to capture instances of employee violence and harassment which can be used as evidence where prosecution is necessary

 

  • Improve public/customer safety on site

As with improving employee safely, security cameras in worksites, offices and car parks helps to prevent intruders from targeting your customers and the public.

 

 

CCTV system prices in NZ

 

Entry level analog CCTV systems start at about $600 for a 2 camera indoor system with DVR and a small amount of cabling (monitor not included). These systems would be suitable for home and small shops like dairies.

This is a system only cost, installation costs are extremely variable with all sites requiring different time spent running cabling depending on building construction. For a 2 camera entry level home CCTV system you could expect a minimum of $200 extra for installation.

Quality IP CCTV camera systems are substantially more expensive than analogue CCTV systems and can easily cost double what a comparable analogue system would cost

Larger quality commercial CCTV camera systems with 6 or more cameras will cost upwards of $2,000 excluding monitors and installation.

 

Summary

In commercial settings CCTV cameras provide additional staff and customer safely, while providing preventative and active security.

At home CCTV cameras provide additional preventative security as well as footage in situations of break ins

As property crime rates climb around the country CCTV cameras are becoming an important part of home and commercial security systems in New Zealand.