Tag Archive for: monitoring

Video Doorbell vs. Security Camera

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During uncertain and changing times, we know you’re not only concerned about home security and crime, but your health as well. At Boyd & Associates, we’re working to keep our offices sanitized and serving our customers over the phone. We’re also committed to providing that extra sense of security that security cameras and video doorbells can provide.

If you’re still choosing between these options, here’s a look at the pros and cons of each to ensure you get the right protection against home burglary, porch pirates, and other threats:

Video Doorbell: Security Camera Built into the Doorbell 

Pros:

  • User-Friendliness: The average consumer can easily use a video doorbell. It runs independently of other equipment and has an intuitive user interface, so is simple to operate and maintain.

 

  • Affordability: Less expensive than a complete security system, it is cheap to purchase and install and requires only one device to be set up.

 

  • Wide-Angle Lens: A wide field of view means you can see people approaching from different angles. Increased coverage means videos can let you identify individuals and motion as someone gets nearby.

 

  • Motion Detection Recording: The camera can start broadcasting images and video footage in response to motion, in addition to turning on when someone rings the bell.

Cons:

  • Limited Application: A video doorbell camera has a fixed field of view and is suited for a single application, such as monitoring your front or patio door.

 

  • Wide-Angle Distortions: The device distorts images at close range because the wide-angle lens is designed to capture as much detail as possible.

Security Camera

Pros:

  • More Coverage: A complete wireless security camera system can provide coverage inside and outside your home. Multiple cameras can be installed and connected so you get more coverage around your property.

 

  • Customization: Cameras can be placed and positioned depending on the areas you want to monitor. There are also housings and mounts available to help protect them. In addition to monitoring and sending alerts, these cameras can be hidden or more visible to help deter potential burglars.

 

  • Better Quality: A surveillance camera system typically offers higher resolution images and improved IR capabilities. The footage captured by a wireless CCTV camera is generally more useful, while the camera’s design is more vandal resistant.

 

  • More Storage: More data storage resources and options mean you can capture and store video footage from multiple cameras, maximizing the benefits you get from the technology.

Cons:

  • Risk Some Personal Privacy: Surveillance cameras are always on the watch, so in addition to burglary, package theft, and other crimes, they’re watching you and your family as well.

 

  • Complex System: The complexity of various components working together can make a surveillance camera system more difficult to install and use. However, a benefit is they can integrate with a smartphone or other mobile device.

 

  • Higher Price Tag: Complete systems are more expensive than other consumer home security equipment. A basic start-up system may be more affordable, but there’s no way around the expense of higher-end systems.

Boyd & Associates Is Open for Business

At Boyd & Associates, we are open for business and continuing to provide vital services to the community. Exempt from the Stay-at-Home mandate, we’re as committed as ever to helping area homes and businesses be safe and secure. Review our coronavirus (COVID-19) update and call us at 805-321-6664 for information or assistance with home security and automation systems, commercial security, and patrol services.

5 Holiday Security Tips for Businesses

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Retail and commercial theft remains a significant problem in the U.S. The 31st Annual Retail Theft Survey from Jack L. Hayes International, Inc. found more than 279,000 instances of theft involving shoplifters and employees at 20 large retail companies, in 2018. The loss prevention/inventory shrinkage control consulting firm also revealed one out of every 40 employees was apprehended for theft.

Theft (including shoplifting), fraud, and other crimes increase during the seasonal spike in holiday shopping. Stealing can lead to significant losses at any store or office. Here are five security tips to help your business improve its loss prevention strategy:

Combat Employee Theft

Employee theft accounts for more inventory shrinkage than shoplifting, administrative error, and vendor fraud. A cashier may pocket change that shoppers don’t wait around for, while a sales associate may refund an unpurchased item and add its value to a gift card. There are many possible scenarios involving staff, but these precautions can help:

  • Balance the cash register after each employee’s shift
  • Rotate employee assignments
  • Compare daily receipts to items sold
  • Schedule frequent physical inventories
  • Conduct random sales audits

Reduce the Threat of Shoplifting

It’s harder to track customers who shoplift than employees who steal. They’re less easily recognized, but you can put at-risk items closer to the checkout counter to monitor them. Also, place desirable items where there’s a good line of sight. Store managers should greet customers and make their presence known, paying careful attention to people with bags, strollers, and carriages. Other precautions include posting shoplifter prosecution policies and using electronic tags detected by sensing devices at the front door.

Take Extra Security Precautions

Additional security precautions include:

  • Installing security CCTV cameras that can provide proof of theft and enable you to report a thief to law enforcement.
  • Hiring a background-checked, trained security officer who can deter and catch shoplifters in the act.
  • Ensuring your store is well lit and that inventory is well-organized.
  • Locking dressing rooms so customers must interact with retail staff.
  • Creating a clear anti-shoplifting policy to post in dressing rooms and other highly visible areas.

Review Surveillance Information 

Having a surveillance system is not enough. You must proactively monitor it; to do this, double check security cameras to ensure they’re working and capturing potential criminal activity. If not, reposition video surveillance cameras. If there are decorations and other obstructions on your commercial property, check for, remove, or reposition them so cameras, alarm systems, or motion detectors aren’t blocked.

Monitoring your live feed is also important. These days, feeds can be conveniently accessed via mobile phone apps and remote video monitoring services provided by security companies. Consider revising your alarm notification list and submitting it to the company as well. Your intrusion alarm service provider will then know who to contact during an emergency.

Encourage Employee Vigilance

Train employees to spot and report suspicious activity. You can improve office security by training workers to react to any strangers in the office building. For example, if a suspicious individual is on the property, code words can be used to relay someone is watching them or it’s believed theft is occurring. Using tenant security activity scheduling unlocks offices only when enough employees are present to supervise an area and offer adequate protection. Access control is reactivated later in the day to lock vulnerable areas.

Work with a Private Security Company

Boyd & Associates, the largest family owned security company in Southern California, provides advanced security and burglar alarm systems as well as commercial patrol, intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance services. To learn more, request a free quote online or call 888-907-1659.