Nowadays, modern and high-tech CCTV systems are often the security solution of choice. They’re not horrendously expensive, and are installed at many business premises under the illusion that this will mean they’re wholly protected. But, they do have a number of flaws which can still leave companies vulnerable.

For example, CCTV cameras have blind spots so if a break-in occurs, many crucial areas could be missed meaning it’s difficult to identify the culprit(s). And, whilst rare, crimes have been known to be committed internally by staff members – they know where the cameras are located, and even how to turn them off, and could also delete data or tamper with evidence.

Plus, whilst cameras can view and record a crime taking place and do have sophisticated alarms that monitor unsolicited movement, they’re naturally unable to act or do anything about it.

So, CCTV works best as part of a comprehensive and holistic service – most often with the addition of alarm response or manned patrols.

Because, for example, while the majority of these alerts are – thankfully – false alarms, having someone on the scene to review the situation (and if necessary, spook or catch a potential intruder, call the police, repair any damage, and allow businesses to continue as normal in the morning) is crucial. Plus, it ensures that you, or a member of your team, isn’t required to attend a potentially dangerous situation in the middle of the night.

Situations that flag up are not always as sinister, of course. It could be a burst pipe somewhere within the building, for example, but this may not be visible on camera. By relying solely on CCTV, by the time morning comes a lot of damage could have been done, resulting in operations being majorly impacted. Yet, if a security guard had attended at the time, it could have been dealt with quickly and effectively to minimise any potential impact.

For businesses to promote a safe and secure working environment, they should seek advice, guidance, and support from external security providers – to identify their current provisions and the additional services that would best complement these to ensure they remain protected.

For more information about how your business could benefit from security solutions support or to arrange your free security audit to review your current security provisions and make any additional recommendations, please visit: www.business-watch.co.uk, or contact: security@business-watch.co.uk

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As with any industry, there’s a variety of myths and misconceptions surrounding the security services sector. So even if you think you already know everything you need to, then this one’s for you – our Business Development Manager, Kel Kyte, sets the record straight and debunks the myths:

Myth: Security services are really expensive

It’s impossible to put a price on the value of the safety and protection of your business assets – most importantly, your employees. But unfortunately, there is an industry-wide preconception that such security support is a big investment – but that’s simply not true. In fact, I think most companies would be surprised at how much it actually costs.

We understand that the current cost-of-living crisis is continuing to have an impact on organisations everywhere, posing additional challenges, and making business owners question if and what is an essential investment right now. But even in this cost-cutting environment, security services shouldn’t be overlooked.

You must ask yourself: can I afford to be without it, should the worst happen?

Myth: Security services aren’t suitable for my business

Regardless of the size or sector of your business, protecting your most precious assets – employees, premises, and valuables – is (and absolutely should be) the highest priority.

There’s a whole host of providers out there – from well-known national organisations through to independent sole traders (and everything in-between). And each of these offer a range of service solutions to suit every business need, size of team, and potential security gap.

It’s important to do your research about what you actually need, and to find a security specialist who can appropriately and effectively meet this for you. The majority of providers will arrange a free, no-strings-attached audit of your current provisions and so do take them up on this to give you a comprehensive understanding of what you have, what you need, and what you must do next.

Myth: I have a high-tech CCTV system so I don’t need additional support

This is perhaps the most common misconception across the industry – and one of the most concerning!

While many businesses do now have modern, high-tech CCTV systems installed at their premises, these do have a number of flaws which can leave them vulnerable. For example, they have blind spots and so can’t monitor every area, and data can be deleted or tampered with. And while CCTV can view, record and alert unsolicited movement, it’s unable to act or do anything about it.

CCTV absolutely has a place within the security provision arena. But it’s best placed as part of a holistic package, complemented by other services such as alarm response or manned patrols to ensure the site is safe and secure, business operations aren’t impacted, and employees remain protected and well.

Myth: I used to have security services support, but don’t think it’s an essential requirement anymore

Implementing security service provisions is a long-term commitment – unfortunately, the risk doesn’t ever subside.

In some situations, businesses choose to enhance or increase their services – if there’s been a recent spell of break-ins in the local area, for example. This can then be scaled back down when it no longer poses as much of a risk. But, we would never recommend leaving your business and your team totally without any security provisions in place.

It’s always worth reaching out to external security support providers to review your current (or previous) processes and to identify any gaps you have, or any amendments that can be made to your existing plan. The world is ever-evolving, and so should your bespoke security solution.

If you have any questions or queries about the security services sector, our team is on-hand to support you – please contact: security@business-watch.co.uk

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