Author: aclarity

 

The toll of security hazards from vacant properties is on rise. Unpredictable moments have an economic ripple effect, including diminishing corporate earnings, rising crime, and rising joblessness. Uncertainty likewise has an impact on private and business property owners.

The increase in abandoned homes portends new security issues for realtors and property owners. Building companies that ceased working because of business closures now have various property security worries. As holiday home rentals are slowing, sales buildings are becoming more vacant. The booking rate of lodges and conference halls is reducing below typical averages.

These patterns suggest that businesses have increasing duties in safeguarding their unoccupied premises. What are the dangers of owning a vacant property, and what are the means of strengthening the protection of your unoccupied property?

Accounting For Security Hazards from Vacant Properties

Without gainsay, an unoccupied property is open to ample vacant property hazards. Some of the property security threats that vacant properties are subject to include;

The risk of gas leakages with possible fire outbreaks from an animal attack like rodents or other hazard-impacting animals. Also, there is the threat of mold growth from moist structures and fire outbreaks from wiring challenges or intentional burning. Also, there can be lightning damage, natural floods or floods from broken pipes, sewage leaks, and overall dilapidation that is left unnoticed and unattended.

Furthermore, there can be fire from nearby wildfires or close burning buildings. Storm damage, fire from nearby wildfires, or close burning buildings can occur. There can be property damage from uninvited occupiers and trespassers who can steal property components like construction equipment, air conditioners, and copper wires.

Safety Suggestions for Vacant Facilities

The safety pursuits of an empty property or free working space should entail the following three objectives:

1. Keep an eye on the area and keep unwanted guests away.

2. Recognize issues right away. Problems may include trespassing, burgles, and fire outbreaks.

3. Control authorized access to the property and maintain the security of visitors.

Hiring on-ground agents when multiple properties need security may become unaffordable. However, using surveillance cameras for abandoned buildings is less expensive and is scarier for criminals. Surveillance cameras are likewise valuable for preventing and reducing the impact of vacant property hazards and when they occur.

Irrespective of if the location in question is a remote area of your parking space or a closed chemical plant, camera footage will assist you in maintaining an eye on just about any spot of these facilities. Business security agents have their place, but human security competes with the infallible facility footage provided by today’s advanced camera systems.

Hiring a business security crew could reduce the danger to your vacant property, but this is usually too expensive. Alternatively, software-driven video cameras can serve as constant monitors of your facility, keeping an eye on things and taking immediate action when a situation arises. Software-driven video cameras safeguard facilities in the following ways.

Vacant Property Security with Video Surveillance

Even though modern security cameras can be discreet in very populated places, you can place them in visible spots to deter trespassers and perpetrators of unwanted activities. When you set up cameras, so people know they are under observation, the crime rate on a property naturally drops.

Beyond video footage, video cameras now have additional functionalities. For instance, video cameras now have smartphone control. New-age cameras now have IP features that utilize a safe Wi-Fi network in transmitting real-time video coverage to intelligent devices wherever the devices are. To access these cameras from anywhere and at all times, you’ll simply login into the involved software program.

Video surveillance from new video cameras permits you to:

1. Adjust the camera’s orientation.

2. Verify the functionality of gadgets on your property.

3. Start or stop a video coverage.

4. Analyze footage that is saved safely in the cloud.

AI Security Interventions for Vacant Properties

In performing the increased row of functions, the cameras utilize artificial intelligence (AI) programs built into software applications. The AI programs make the cameras give predetermined responses to particular actions.

For instance, cameras can trigger a facility’s alarm network when a stranger crosses a barrier while, at the same time, delivering personalized signals to appropriate parties like the police. The machine learning features of these applications ensure that the cameras are continuously collecting data and are learning from every event.

Below is a fundamental operation pattern of AI-driven cameras on vacant facilities:

1. The camera setup can involve coverage of particular areas of a facility with emergency signals for when a person crosses into parts of the facility.

2. AI-powered cameras have sufficient intelligence to magnify a scene, record footage and differentiate when an individual is only close to a no-entry point and when the individual is causing a property security compromise by crossing into the no-entry end.

3. Asides from high-quality video recordings, AI-powered cameras can take high-resolution photographs and activate alarms.

AI-driven business security systems have the following advantages in safeguarding your vacant building:

The cameras have lower wiring levels, reducing the cost of setting up the camera.

1. Camera reaction is instantaneous and false alarms lower to the barest levels.

2. Local camera storage of video footage is no longer required.

3. Current video security technologies are robust monitoring systems that offer cost-efficient and comprehensive prevention, safeguarding, and instant solution provision challenges on unoccupied facilities. In dimly lit environments and at night, camera sensors can detect activity and take appropriate action. As a result of sophisticated software programs, security professionals can program AI surveillance systems with a single click.

Wrap-Up

Safeguarding vacant homes is becoming a bigger problem for building owners today. When you utilize video cameras to reduce the risks associated with your abandoned properties, you won’t be unnecessarily bothered about vandalism and other vacant property hazards to your property vacant property hazards. Begin talks with a capable video coverage team to take action in safeguarding your facility.

You can track and manage your facilities while addressing any concerns by using effective facility monitoring systems. To safeguard your vacant home from risks, contact a respected supplier of cloud-dependent video surveillance equipment immediately.

 

Theft of anything from tools to hefty machinery is a widespread problem in the construction industry. Theft at construction sites may have serious negative repercussions such as decreased productivity, higher expenses due to the need to rent or buy replacement equipment, and possibly even higher insurance rates. Costly fines may also be imposed on construction companies in response to deadlines.

Although exact figures are unavailable, most professionals in the construction industry believe that yearly losses caused by theft at construction sites exceed $1 billion. Therefore, it is crucial that you discourage and mitigate theft in your construction site.

In this article, you will learn how you can prevent thefts from happening on your construction site or stop any ongoing thefts and vandalism.

Let’s get started!

Why Construction Sites Are Targeted

Several valuable materials are situated on construction sites, and unfortunately, thieves have been conditioned to assume that these sites are easy prey. To a large extent, this is true.

The vast majority of these sites have inadequate lighting, are deserted for long stretches of the day, and usually employ minimal security measures, if any at all. This gives criminals a great opportunity to make money by stealing valuable items and reselling them at cheap rates.

The 6 Most Stolen Items from Construction Sites

Certain items are more likely to “grow wings” and disappear from construction sites than others. Also, criminals are more likely to target construction supplies now than ever before due to the increasing demand and low supply.

Here are the top six (6) items commonly stolen from construction sites:

1. Power tools

Many reviews found that power tools were the most commonly stolen items from construction sites. Examples include jigsaws, drills, sanders, grinders, routers, etc. Considering the high resale value of these power tools, it’s no surprise that many buyers are ready to overlook red flags like the tools’ origin or why the seller is offering them at a heavy discount as long as they can get their hands on them.

2. Small hand tools

Thieves often target construction sites because small tools like hammers and saws are easy to move, are regularly left lying around on-site, and can be easily resold. A single missing wrench, saw, or hammer might not seem like much at first, but over time, it could really hurt your business.

3. Appliances

Stolen household appliances are a common occurrence on home construction sites, especially when multiple new homes are being built at once. In order to entice prospective buyers, many property owners make their sites easy to access, but this also make them more vulnerable to theft. Carting away appliances is more easily achieved because residents aren’t bothered by the sight of unfamiliar faces visiting surrounding homes since they are used to seeing construction workers there.

4. Heavy equipment 

Even though theft of heavy pieces of machinery like bulldozers, forklifts, or skip loaders is more difficult because of their size, it does occur. Construction site equipment is usually rather expensive, making its resale a lucrative business.

5. Copper

The theft of copper from construction sites is both prevalent and financially devastating to property owners. The loss of equipment may be easily remedied by simply replacing it, but the damage caused by copper theft extends far beyond its market worth. Theft of copper wire or pipe can cause substantial setbacks to a construction project since the thieves could destroy the product of several days’ or even weeks’ worth of labor.

6. Lumber

Stacks of framing lumber that may sit idle at a construction site are becoming prime targets for thieves since lumber is quite expensive. Thieves target deserted work sites to steal timber in the middle of the night and resell them on the black market. It’s also not uncommon for workers to steal a plank of wood for their own use or a side project. They can do this if they believe there isn’t enough of a system of checks and balances in place.

The Ultimate Solution to Construction Site Theft

You can keep an eye on the construction site’s perimeter and stop crimes before they happen using live, remote video surveillance.

In order to deter would-be intruders, security cameras will be strategically placed around the site, with some cameras placed in clearly obvious areas. To further deter would-be burglars and vandals from residential construction sites, clear warning signs announcing the presence of security cameras can be installed.

The video monitoring team keeps a careful eye on a person’s actions in real-time to ascertain their motives and take corrective action if required. Intruders are warned via voice commands that their activities are being monitored and the cops have been notified.

When a site is being monitored in real-time, it’s as if a virtual guard is keeping a constant eye on everything from a wider range of vantage points. If the camera catches something unusual, the officer will immediately raise an alert and contact the authorities.

In addition, it has also been shown that, should a crime occur, video footage is crucial in identifying perpetrators and supporting an insurance claim.

Therefore, to avert theft at construction sites, it’s best to invest in live video monitoring, especially since it has been proven to have a 98% success rate in deterring criminal activity.

Summary

The need for preemptive security measures at construction sites is more crucial than ever before as the global incidence of construction site theft continues to climb. Protecting your construction tools and machinery from theft ahead of time is possible with the aid of live video monitoring systems and technology. Consequently, you can rest easy knowing that your properties are safe and secure, while avoiding anguish, anxiety, project delays, and monetary losses that could have ensued from construction site theft.

 

 

Criminality has exploded to epidemic levels in recent years. It seems like today’s crooks are more brazen than yesterdays. Burglars and shoplifters routinely attack places of business. Breaking into homes is also becoming a common feature in the daily news. In light of this, there is no such thing as being overly cautious or having too many traditional or virtual security measures in place. But which is the better option – human guard or a virtual guard?

When it came to protecting your home, office, or loved ones, employing a security guard was the go-to protocol, well, until recently. But things have changed dramatically since the advent of live video surveillance. Live video monitoring is quickly replacing traditional methods, because of its low cost, greater detection capabilities, and faster response times.

In this post, we’ll examine the most common security issues facing businesses today as well as how virtual security measures compare to human security guards in solving these issues. Finding the ideal security solution for your business requires knowing how these two systems compare to one another. Read on!

What are Virtual Security Guards?

Virtual guards are professionally trained security personnel who keep an eye on your property from afar with the use of remote surveillance technology like surveillance cameras. The vast majority of them have prior experience in the armed forces or law enforcement. They are not physically present at the site but rather keep watch from a central location through televisions and monitors.

They try to identify potential perpetrators and take safety precautions before the situation escalates. Speakers built inside cameras can be used to issue warnings to anyone approaching hazardous or restricted areas, or to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.

What Can You Expect from Virtual Security Guards?

1. Lesser risks

Virtual guarding has several advantages, one of which is that it is safer than traditional security measures. When anything bad happens at a place, a lot of guards get hurt or die under the old guarding method. However, while utilizing a virtual guard service, there is no need to worry about such perilous occurrences. As a result, virtual guarding presents either no danger at all or only a minimal risk.

2. Lowers security expenses

If your company employs onsite security guards, they must be stationed at every entrance, exit, and any area where criminal activity or accidental injury can occur. Supposing you have ten such locations, you’d need to hire ten security guards, which is obviously not a viable choice.

One alternative is to deploy video surveillance equipment in each of the 10 locations, with the footage being sent to a central monitoring station located elsewhere, where a guard would keep watch. You can save a lot of money on salary and upkeep if you only hire one security officer rather than 10.

A virtual guard is stationed in the control room and monitors every activity. Nonetheless, you will still need to allocate resources to the procurement of necessary equipment, as well as the installation of cameras and a central monitoring system. Making an initial investment in this technology will yield long-term cost savings and improve the safety of your company’s assets.

3. Virtual guards don’t fall asleep

 

Imagine that it’s 3 in the morning on a Friday and that robbers, vandals, and thieves are planning to break into your place of business in the hunt for your valuables, years of toil, and means of livelihood. Can you put your faith in a security officer who is either tired, asleep, or has dubious training?

Alternatively, you could have a high-definition (HD) video surveillance system professionally setup, with a team of experts keeping an eye on things from a centralized control room and quickly reacting to any potential dangers they detect.

4. Virtual guards can’t lie

Worse yet, imagine if your store’s regular security guards accept bribes from the burglar and act as his accomplices, which could be a big blow to your company This never happens when surveillance cameras and virtual guards are onsite, as every activity is captured and uploaded to a local disk or the cloud for later review.

Sincere investigation is made possible through the viewing of archived recordings. These recordings provide evidence that aids law enforcement in apprehending those responsible. If an incident occurs at your organization, having video footage of it will allow you to investigate what went wrong and figure out how to avoid similar situations in the future.

 

5. Virtual guards provide wider coverage 

An on-site security guard can only do so much because of the restrictions on their line of sight. Since they are constantly on the move, any given place that they aren’t currently patrolling will likely be vulnerable. With the use of surveillance cameras, however, a virtual security guard can monitor several locations simultaneously.

What Not to Expect from Virtual Security Guards

Despite all the amazing benefits you stand to enjoy by switching from human security guards to virtual security guards, there remain a few shortcomings of virtual guards you should be aware of.

These include:

 1. Absence of visible protection

Virtual security solutions do not employ physically present guards, which may be enticing to thieves at first. Virtual security guards, however, have been shown to effectively detect and halt even the most pervasive threats quickly.

2. Absence of instant on-site assistance

Virtual security solutions do not provide instantaneous access to on-site assistance. Nevertheless, virtual security’s response time to incidents has been shown to be significantly faster than that of traditional human security systems.

Summary

If you’re worried about your safety or that of your properties, you can rely on a virtual guard who is a remotely-located security professional. Proactive live video monitoring of premises, visitor authentication at entrances, database administration, and more may all be accomplished with the help of a remote agent.

Although there are a few drawbacks to using virtual guards, the benefits far outweigh the risks. To protect your enterprise or small business against catastrophic events without breaking the bank, hiring virtual security guards is the way to go.

 

 

Theft and vandalism at businesses and sites nationwide are at record high, indicating that we’re indeed living in dark times. Whatever industry you’re in—retail, education, construction, or equipment—you need dependable security surveillance. To this end, solar energy usage in residential and business settings is on the rise. Solar-powered surveillance system  and lights are quickly replacing their traditional cable counterparts in commercial buildings. Most homeowners also agree that solar-powered surveillance cameras are the most practical approach to keeping their homes and yards secure for their families and pets.

This article will answer some of your solar power questions and illustrate how solar-powered cameras may help you do more with less by providing the reliability that is unmatched by electrical or generator-powered alternatives.

What Are Solar-Powered Surveillance Cameras?

These are surveillance cameras powered by solar panels which can operate independent of the grid and its power lines. There is no need to worry about the high cost of electricity when you have a solar camera since it uses free, abundant energy from the sun.

A solar-powered surveillance system is a great choice for use in harsh conditions, such as those seen on construction sites. Furthermore, it allows for monitoring of sites and properties in any climatic condition.

How Do Solar Powered Surveillance Cameras Work?

These devices, also referred to as solar powered surveillance system, is powered entirely by the sun. Maximum-efficiency solar panels soak up sunlight and store it for later use. After being transformed into DC power via an inverter, this energy is used to run the camera and recharge the system’s batteries. This ensures that the security cameras have electricity at all times, even on cloudy days.

Surveillance cameras can either record continuously or begin recording when motion is detected. Solar security cameras can function without connecting cables by storing data in the cloud or on an SD card. Furthermore, as long as you have an internet connection, you can monitor your solar-powered security camera in real-time.

Advantages of Using a Solar Powered Surveillance System.

Here are some reasons why you should consider installing solar-powered surveillance system at your premises:

1. Uninterrupted Power Supply

The battery of a solar-powered surveillance camera gets recharged during daylight hours. As a result, you can rest easy knowing that electricity will continue to flow even in the event of a power loss or cable damage.

2. Scalability

The remarkable scaling option offered by 4G cellular technology is another perk of solar panel security cameras. From any location with 4G service, a solar-powered security camera that records in 4K UHD can upload its footage to a central cloud repository. Simply put, a 4G solar security camera can continuously upload all of its footage to the cloud so that it can be accessed from any part of the globe. Having the option to monitor one’s property remotely at any time from any device with an internet connection is a huge perk for property owners.

Also, when it comes to security and surveillance, 4G wireless solar cameras are the way to go because they don’t need a cable connection or to be on the same network as other IP wireless cameras.

3. Environmentally-friendly

If you’re concerned about your company’s environmental impact, installing surveillance cameras that run on renewable energy sources is a great first step. It has a favorable effect on the environment since it requires less plastic-coated cabling and, thus, less carbon footprint. Since plastic is often regarded as one of the most harmful chemicals to ecosystems, we should seize all our chances to reduce its impact.

4. Affordability

It’s true that solar-powered surveillance cameras aren’t exactly novel ideas, but the unexpectedly low cost of this technology has sparked a resurgence in its popularity. The cost of solar-powered surveillance camera systems has drastically reduced as more manufacturers, and providers vie for prominence in this fiercely competitive market.

The components required to make solar panel surveillance cameras are now considerably more available than they were just a few years ago. This may be partly due to the financial incentives offered to individuals who use solar panels to power their homes. Tax subsidies, rebates, and participation programs are just some of the ways the government encourages the use of solar surveillance devices. Another factor contributing to the declining price of solar security cameras is the widespread interest in green technology.

Whichever the case, the reality remains that the price of solar power surveillance devices is lower than ever, and the variety of solar-powered surveillance equipment available for purchase has never been greater,

5. Flexibility

When it comes to keeping an eye on things, remote or out-of-the-way locations like construction sites, vast national parks, farms, and other properties can pose their own challenges. Solar panel security cameras are well-suited to the difficult task of keeping tabs on expansive outdoor regions or out-of-the-way locales.

A solar security camera eliminates the need for power cables or electricity since it runs off solar energy stored by interconnected solar panels. If placed correctly, a solar-powered security camera will accumulate and store enough energy to operate eternally without needing to be recharged.

Do Solar Cameras Work if it’s Overcast or Raining?

A major worry for homeowners who want to install solar-powered security cameras is whether or not they will function properly during poor weather conditions. Outdoor solar security cameras are built to withstand all kinds of weather. Although direct sunlight is ideal for charging the camera, it will still charge in less bright conditions.

Obviously, solar panels will charge considerably more slowly on gloomy, overcast days than they would during the daytime when the sun is shining brightly. Makers of solar cameras are aware of this occurrence, too, and have developed rechargeable batteries accordingly. Nevertheless, top-quality solar cameras will keep working and recording footage on your property, even after several cloudy days.

Coincidentally, rain can actually help solar cameras and improve their performance. The rain wipes away the dust, filth, and bird poop, enabling the solar panels to keep soaking up the sunlight.

Final Thoughts

Installing solar surveillance cameras is a low-cost approach to keeping an eye on your property in an age when criminals seem to be playing a never-ending game of hide and seek. An outdoor, solar-powered camera can effectively replace as many as ten human guards and provide 24/7 monitoring at a reasonable price.

You can keep an eye on your property around the clock with the help of 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi connectivity, giving you the peace of mind you need to get things done. Benefits abound with the solar-powered mobile security system; so, don’t sleep on it.

 

 

As a business owner, making sure your firm is safe and secure should be one of your top priorities. You can protect your business, workers, and clients from harm using resources like professional security systems and live video monitoring. As a result, investing in security surveillance system is a no-brainer for successful business owners.

Perhaps you don’t think your company needs a security solution because you believe the risks are negligible, or you’re too preoccupied with other tasks to give security the attention it deserves. In this article, you will discover five benefits of investing in security cameras for your company if you are still on the fence about doing so.

How Do Surveillance Cameras Operate?

Security cameras keep track of what goes on within and outside your company’s premises and properties. Most situations call for continuous video recording (CVR), which allows for round-the-clock capturing of events.

In addition, many surveillance cameras now come equipped with motion detectors that will trigger the alarm at the first sign of any activity. This feature is useful whether the detected activity is helpful or detrimental to your company, and some cameras even include smart detection to tell the difference. Surveillance cameras can be set up to notify you whenever they detect motion.

Most commercially viable security cameras may be classified as either wired or wireless:

Wired Surveillance

Network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs) are two examples of on-site video storage devices used in tandem with wired security cameras to capture footage. In most cases, the cables transmitting data from your camera to your storage systems also supply power to the cameras themselves. Furthermore, thanks to Ethernet cable connectivity, you can access the footage remotely.

Wireless Surveillance

Most security cameras nowadays are wireless, meaning they can send their footage directly to the cloud without needing any wires or other connections. Thanks to this wireless innovation, you can access your surveillance footage from any device, be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Benefits of Video Surveillance for Businesses

Incorporating security cameras into your business operations have several glaringly obvious benefits. Investing in security surveillance system may seem like a big financial commitment, but consider the rewards of surveillance cameras, as discussed below, before coming to a final conclusion.

1. It promotes employee productivity

While you certainly don’t want to come out as a nosy boss, a live video monitoring system is an excellent way to keep watchful eyes on your staff and ensure they’re putting in productive hours. When employees know the company’s surveillance system may be monitoring them, they are less inclined to squander time.

Cameras placed strategically around the workplace can help reduce idle time and ensure employees only socialize at lunch and other approved times. Better productivity is great for both your customers and your business.

2. It discourages stealing and other criminal activities

Since nobody wants to risk being caught on video committing a crime, the mere presence of security cameras deters stealing. If theft ever occurs, the cameras will help catch the perpetrators. Theft occurs even amongst the workforce, which is a major issue nowadays. Workers often gain access to and steal trade secrets in order to sell them to business rivals for a little profit. Businesses can protect themselves from this type of theft by installing surveillance and security cameras in strategic locations. Breaking and entering, destroying property, trespassing, and similar offenses all fall under this category of criminal activities. Setting up a surveillance system serves as a deterrent against such conduct. This also ensures the safety of your staff.

2. It offers better insurance protection

The use of security cameras can reduce insurance costs in two ways. For starters, surveillance cameras can shield you against false insurance claims. Secondly, firms that take extra safety precautions are often rewarded with discounts in insurance cost. As a business owner, you want to be sure you’re covered in the event that your employee files for workers’ compensation or a consumer sues your firm. You can avoid spending a ton of money on legal fees and insurance premium hikes by installing security cameras. In addition, firms can qualify for savings in insurance cost by installing additional security measures, such as live video monitoring. The insurance company will see you as less of a risk if you take precautions to secure your business.

3. Lowers workplace accidents

Accidents that occur on-site can cause several problems for a company. If an employee is wounded, it may mean shutting down the entire facility, which would mean time wasted on any ongoing projects. Another issue is that your firm could gain a bad reputation for encouraging risky activities, which might result in a significant drop in sales. Video surveillance can assist in preventing on-site accidents by constantly monitoring potentially dangerous locations around the premises. Being able to detect when workers aren’t following safety procedures allows you to intervene immediately to prevent injuries.

4. Greater business savings

The opportunity to save money is a strong argument in support of investing a video surveillance system. Even though you’ll have to put some money into getting the system up and running, it will pay for itself in no time. There may be a slight increase in inventory expenses, but it will be worth it if it means less theft. And as productivity increases, more tasks are completed. Improving the customer experience also increases the likelihood of consumers  coming back for more. Surveillance systems, in summary, make good financial sense.

Bottom Line

Theft, bogus claims, and damages cost businesses billions of dollars annually. You can safeguard your company, discourage theft and damages, as well as be equipped with sufficient evidence in the event of an incident, regardless of whether the perpetrators are your workers or outsiders. How? By investing in security surveillance system!

Having a surveillance system in place can help you avoid many headaches and uncover any big mysteries. You also get to keep your company, properties, clients, workers, and others safe. Furthermore, the presence of surveillance systems encourages people to improve their conduct. So, get in touch with a competent video monitoring company today to begin enjoying the perks of state-of-the-art surveillance technology.