Video monitoring can help business owners catch shoplifters, improve safety conditions for employees, and deter criminal activity around their location. However, if you want to make the most of your security cameras, you need to use care when setting them up and avoid the following missteps.

3 Common Mistakes Made When Setting Up Video Monitoring Systems

1. Choosing the Wrong Placement

To make the most of your video monitoring system, carefully consider where the biggest losses might occur. Just because the other businesses on your street have cameras out front, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right spot for yours.

If you’re most concerned about theft around your counter area or improper access around the back door of your stock area, place cameras in those locations instead. Make sure they’re at the right angle to see the entire area.

2. Forgetting About Lighting

The areas you’re monitoring also need to be illuminated if you want any chance of catching shoplifters, robbers, or vandals. Even if you can see clearly during the day, don’t allow potential intruders to access your location under the cover of darkness. Either add extra lighting around the area or use infrared cameras, so they provide clear resolution at night.

3. Not Monitoring in Real Time

It’s beneficial to save footage from your camera system, so you can review  it later on. However, the authorities often have a better chance of catching criminals or even stopping break-ins in progress if your video system provides real time data. When you’re not at your place of business, a system that gives you access on a mobile device and sends alerts can help you stay on top of incidents at all times.

If you’re looking for video monitoring solutions for your small business, contact ClearView Security & Home Automation. Based in Oregon City, OR, the company provides an array of home and business security solutions to customers throughout the Portland Metro area. Their video systems provide 24/7 monitoring and real-time streaming. To request a consultation, reach out to the team online or call (855) 709-4466.