Installing security cameras on your business premises
A recent survey* among SMEs revealed 92.5% had CCTV systems installed in their premises. With crime levels remaining a top security concern for businesses in 2023, we look at whether installing security cameras on your premises is a good idea.
Crime against businesses can take many forms, from shoplifting and staff theft to burglary from premises. It's estimated there are nearly 70 crimes an hour committed against businesses, with around 58% of business crimes remaining unsolved.
The most recent figures from the government estimate that 38% of wholesale and retail businesses in England and Wales were the victim of crime between April 2020 and March 2021, with the most common type of crime being theft (27%) and burglary (10%).
CCTV systems can be very effective in deterring crime and detecting intruders and fire, helping to prevent theft, providing evidence, improving staff safety and improving the customer experience. But is a CCTV security system right for your business and how do you get one installed?
In some ways, it depends on the nature of your business: where it’s located; whether you store products overnight; whether you have products on display, as in retail premises; whether you have high-value items; whether you keep cash on the premises. All kinds of variables can make your business more attractive to burglars and vulnerable to crime. However, crime and fire risks can affect any business, and a CCTV system will help improve security and safety.
Here are some of the issues you need to consider:
- Surveillance or CCTV
Some businesses use CCTV footage only for evidence or identification purposes, whilst others prefer to monitor their live feed remotely - known as surveillance. In larger public places, surveillance can be found in shopping centres or event venues and in the event of an incident, a warning can be issued, or a mobile patrol dispatched.
- Privacy laws
For some businesses, CCTV camera coverage is company policy, as part of your duty of care towards your customers, and could be a requirement of your insurance provider. Legally, your system must comply with UK GDPR laws whilst respecting other people’s right to privacy, which means not installing cameras in staff restrooms, changing rooms, or overlooking neighbouring properties.
- DIY?
For your system to comply with insurance requirements, it must conform to the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) code of practice for design, installation and maintenance. It can be a complex area, which is why, although you may be able to fit a CCTV system yourself, it may save time and effort to use a registered, NSI-approved CCTV installer.
- Costs
The cost of your system depends on its complexity: the type and number of cameras you have fitted and whether you require remote viewing. Increasingly, businesses are utilising their CCTV systems to gather data analytics and intelligence, such as customer behaviour and peak traffic times, adding value to the system.
Talk to TMD
Our business is your protection, which means we are always happy to discuss the benefits of CCTV and how it could benefit your business in terms of reduced risk and potentially lower premiums. To discuss your business insurance and whether CCTV is an appropriate consideration, please call TMD on 01992 703 000 or email insurance@mcdonaghs.co.uk