A CCTV security system is a great way to protect your business, employees, and inventory safe from criminals. But only having a system isn't enough; you also need to follow the proper CCTV installation guidelines.
When installing your system, think about how intruders would enter and move around your property. Here are some of the best locations to install a CCTV system in your business.
When installing your system, think about how intruders would enter and move around your property.
Exterior Entry Points
Outdoor cameras are your business’s first line of defense. Not only will they catch a glimpse of intruders attempting to gain entry, but the mere sight of them might be enough to scare off a wannabe criminal. Visible CCTV cameras are a great crime deterrent.
Place cameras to cover each entry point, including doors and first-story windows. Businesses generally have more entry points than homes, which gives burglars a choice. If they see an entry seems less protected, that’s the one they’ll use.
Outdoor cameras should face away from the building to catch intruders as they approach. Install cameras facing most common entry routes like a parking lot, driveway, sidewalk, or loading bay.
High Traffic Areas
Interior cameras can do much more than deter theft; they can be used to monitor your employees and customers as well. Having cameras in high traffic areas, such as reception or retail sales floor, will make it difficult for anyone—intruder or not—to enter and move around your property without being filmed.
Hallways and stairwells are other great interior locations for CCTV installation. They're long and narrow, making it almost impossible for anyone to avoid the cameras' fields of view. Cameras in hallways leading to important rooms like your main office, safe, or storeroom are especially useful.
Storerooms, Warehouses, and Offices
What do burglars want to steal from businesses? Money and inventory. Install cameras to watch over your storerooms, warehouses, and offices. Anywhere you can find something valuable is a great place for a camera.
These places, however, can be difficult for cameras to cover. They’re typically large and cluttered, making it hard for cameras to get a clear line of sight. It’s best to place your storeroom and warehouse cameras covering entry and exit points rather than the inventory itself. Catching someone coming in to steal is just as good as catching them in the act.
Business CCTV Installation Mistakes
Knowing where to install cameras is the first step, but understanding what to avoid is what will make your CCTV security system effective. Here are some common CCTV installation pitfalls to avoid.
Camera Mounting Height
The key to proper camera height is getting it high enough off the ground to prevent tampering but low enough to get a clear view of people’s faces. In general, it’s suggested that you aim for a mounting height of 2.5 metres. Some cameras offer long-range capabilities and can be mounted higher, so it’s important to understand your cameras’ specifications before installation.Poor Light Conditions
CCTV cameras need light to create a clear picture. If your cameras are in a windowless storeroom or an unlit parking lot, once the sun goes down or the lights are off, you'll have trouble monitoring anything.
Make sure your cameras have enough light for a clear image, day and night. Use with external lights, emergency 24/7 overhead lights, or low-light cameras.
Not Following Privacy Laws
Business CCTV installation isn’t like residential applications. Since you’re monitoring a public space, there are some rules involved:
Warn staff about CCTV surveillance in writing.
Make all cameras clearly visible and provide signage to notify visitors that they’re being filmed. Don’t install cameras in private areas such as toilets, showers, fitting rooms, or locker rooms. If you’re caught disobeying privacy laws, your business could face a steep fine. For more information about The Privacy Act and its effects on business CCTV installation, check out the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) website.
Four Walls Security: Business CCTV Installation Experts
A CCTV security system can protect your business from intruders and prevent theft, but merely having cameras isn't enough; they need to be installed in the right locations to be effective. In general, cover areas that a burglar would need to use to access valuables, including points of entry; high-traffic areas like reception, sales floors, hallways, and stairwells; and storage areas. During installation, be sure to keep cameras around 2.5 metres off the ground, provide enough light, and adhere to all privacy laws.