Category: commercial security

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Video Surveillance For Businesses

Video surveillance can be seen all over local and national news casts. It is not uncommon for someone to rob a convenience store or gas station while the store’s video surveillance cameras catch them in the act. Video from these security systems helps capture thieves and deter criminals at the same time. If you have a business, especially a store that is open to the public, you should consider installing video surveillance for your commercial security system. It is important for business owners to understand how criminals react to video surveillance and how to protect their property with video surveillance.

How criminals react to video surveillance

The truth is that most crime is a matter of opportunity. Criminals often feel like the potential payoff is greater than the chances of being caught. However, researchers have asked criminals if they would have committed a crime if they had known they were being monitored with video surveillance. The vast majority of criminals asked this question said that they would not have committed their crime if they knew a camera was watching them.

Criminals are going to choose the easiest targets. If your business has no visible video surveillance, you are a prime target. The neighborhood you live in does not matter to criminals that are looking for unprotected businesses. Video surveillance can protect you and your business simply by making you less of a target.

How to protect your business with video surveillance

You can secure your business without spending a great deal of money, which is good news for small businesses. Wireless commercial security systems have made cheaper security possible. You can place wireless cameras at strategic locations to capture most of your store. The video cameras feed back to a digital recording device, which records the footage. The footage allows you to see what is happening, even when you or your employees are not looking. Video surveillance can capture any criminal activities that might be going on indoors or outdoors.

Before you purchase an off-the-shelf security system and try to install it yourself, consider having an alarm company do the installation for you. Security companies can provide all the equipment and wiring needed to get the surveillance system working quickly. The convenience of the installation allows you to keep focusing on your business and your customers.

The alarm company can also hook up an entire security system at the same time. While video surveillance is great for capturing crimes during business hours, how do you protect your store when no one is there? An alarm system, hooked to a central monitoring service, is a great choice. If someone tries to break in, the system will alert the monitoring service, who will then alert you and the police.

Don’t let your business become an easy target for criminals. Get a security system with video surveillance so you can deter criminals or capture them in action by calling the security experts at 1st Alarm today. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote. We look forward to working with you.

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How To Prevent Business Burglaries

Your business is your livelihood and when a criminal targets your business, you can lose some or all of your investment. There are so many things to worry about when you are a business owner. These worries include paying staff, although Intuit payroll service can make this much easier. Taking action to secure your business will make it safer and less of a target for burglars or other criminals. There are a number of security measures you can use to help prevent business burglaries including using light and securing windows and doors. You can also help prevent business burglaries by using a safe to store important items, using high quality locks, and installing a commercial security system.

Use light to prevent business burglaries

Lighting is the easiest security measure you can put in place to prevent burglaries. Burglars like to hide in the shadows to avoid detection. If you light the inside and outside of your business, it is easier for the police and security personnel to see if there is an intruder. All points of entry, alleyways, and parking lots should be lit with bright security lights. You can use lower wattage lights inside, but the interior should still allow security personnel to see without a lot of strain.

Prevent business burglaries by securing windows and doors

Securing windows and doors is a good way to prevent business burglaries. Make sure all your windows are in good condition and well sealed. If a window opens, it should have a secure lock in place. A window should allow someone on the outside to see inside your business clearly. Do not put displays or filing cabinets in front of the windows. If your business is in a high crime area, consider adding burglar resistant security glass or adding iron bars over the windows to help prevent burglaries. Doors should be solid with door frames that are not easily broken into. Inspect door frames for any sign of rot or weakness and if you find any, have the damage repaired as soon as possible. A weakness in the frame of a door is a possible entry point for a burglar. Your door lock should also be very secure, and you may need to get in contact with some House Locksmiths if you fear that your door is not secured enough by your lock.

Use high quality locks to secure your business

For basic security, the locks in your business should be of the highest quality. All entry points to your business should have a high quality lock in place that used at all times that the building is not occupied. Entry points include doors, windows, skylights, emergency exits, garage doors, and warehouse doors. A lock may not completely keep a determined burglar out, but it will slow criminals down and help to prevent burglaries. If you don’t have an electric garage, you may consider getting one installed as a method to deter thieves. Call a company such as http://balancedgaragedoors.com to come out and install one for you.

Use a storage safe to prevent burglaries

Use a safe to keep cash and valuables secure. The safe should be secured to the floor and in a protected area of your business that is not easily accessible. The security code for the safe should be changed on a regular basis, especially after an employee quits or is terminated.

Install a commercial security system to prevent business burglaries

Get a commercial security system installed for your business. A security system does not offer a physical barrier, but a way to detect intrusions early and get the police out quickly. A security system can also sound an alarm to prevent burglaries before they are committed. Adding signs that indicate you have a security system can even deter some criminals.

Use video surveillance as part of your commercial security system to help prevent burglaries. Visible cameras on the outside of the building can keep some criminals from even approaching the business. You should have cameras covering all sides of your business because a single camera out front is not going to secure the other three sides. Having video surveillance inside the business can catch criminals in the act and can provide evidence of a crime in a court of law.

If you want to secure your business from burglaries, call the experts at 1st Alarm today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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How To Choose The Right Kind Of Security System For Your Business

Having a security system for your business in Lubbock, Texas protects your investment. It is important for your safety that you know how to choose the right kind of security system for your needs. Factors to consider when you are buying a security system include the location of your business and your type of business. Also consider where your business needs protection and if you would like to control access to it.

Location of your business

Consider where your business is located in Lubbock, Texas. Are you in a questionable part of town where it gets a little dangerous after dark? Are you near a quiet residential area in a strip mall, where it is fairly safe all of the time? Consider the security you need based on your location and the clientele that work or shop near your business.

Your type of business

The type of business you own in Lubbock, Texas can help you choose the right security system. If you sell diamond jewelry, then you may need a more complex system. If you sell less expensive items, or do not carry much inventory on hand, then you may need less complex security. Consider the items you have that thieves may want to steal and this will help you choose the right security system for your establishment.

Where your business needs protection

Make a list of your concerns regarding your Lubbock business and where you think a security system may best be installed. Does the shipping door make you nervous? Do you suspect employees of stealing from the supply closet? Do you want to keep track of everyone who enters and exits the building? Create a list of your concerns and this will make it easier to pinpoint where you need protection the most. You can install a customized security system based upon your concerns.

Sadly, you may need a security system to keep an eye on your employees in order to reduce or eliminate employee theft, vandalism, and violence. Being able to monitor everything inside and outside of your business can help you safeguard yourself and your company’s assets. Using video security is a great way to monitor your organization from the inside, as well as outdoor areas where intruders could break in.

Controlling access to your business

Access control is a great way to secure your business in Lubbock, Texas. You can use keycards to restrict access to specific employees and to keep an eye on everyone going in and coming out of your company. This type of security system can help you catch any intruders.

For more information

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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Choosing The Right Commercial Security System For Your Small Business

Commercial security systems come in many sizes and configurations. Selecting the right commercial security system for your small business in can be challenging. If you need to install or upgrade a commercial security system in your business, take the time to determine your needs. Also consider the monitoring options that are available and if the system has easy pass-code management. Finally, consider the cost of a commercial security system for your small business.

Determine what you need in a commercial security system

The nature of your business is going to determine what your protection requirements are. If you own a jewelry store, you are going to have specific needs that a lumber yard does not. If you work out of a closed office, you will have different security needs than a retail store. Assess your business and determine what you want to monitor. Do you need to watch both customers and employees? Do you need to monitor the outside of the building as well as the inside or are you having a problem with vandalism? Asking questions about what you need to monitor can help you determine what you need from your commercial security system.

Monitoring options for a commercial security system

The classic security system of decades past was a closed circuit television (CCTV) set-up that recorded video to tape. This option also lets people view the feeds live if needed. Although this system is still available, there are other options available today. You can choose a monitoring service that can respond 24/7 to any situation in which an alarm is triggered. This service can be connected through a hard phone line or a cellular connection. Another security option is to have the ability to see video feeds through your smart device. With this type of monitoring, you can quickly tell if you have a burglary in progress or an employee fumbling with the system keypad.

Easy pass-code management

When you have a commercial security system installed for your small business, you need to be able to issue unique passcodes for each employee. Pass-codes allow you to trace who is arming and disarming the alarm at any given time. You also need the ability to add, change, and remove pass-codes as employees are hired and let go.

The cost of a commercial security system for your small business

A good commercial security system should fit within your budget. Before you sign any contract, ask for a complete breakdown of what a your business’s protection is going to cost. This breakdown should include installation costs, ongoing maintenance fees, monthly monitoring fees, and any other service fees the security company may charge.

It is important not to base your choice of commercial security system on the cost alone. However, it is also critical that you know what you will be getting for what you are going to pay. You do not want to pay for a hidden charge or an unspoken upgrade.

Your small business in will be safer once you install a commercial security system. If you want to add a commercial security system to your business, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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Security Systems May Reduce Business Insurance Policy Premiums

Adding a commercial security system to your business can help you in many ways. A commercial security system can deter criminals, detect employees who are less than honest, and can sense fires as well as get assistance to your business quickly. A commercial security system can also help externally and internally reduce business insurance policy premiums by decreasing the risk that you present to them. If you’re looking to compare insurance quotes, consider using a service like constructaquote.com.

Externally reducing business insurance policy premiums

How do insurance companies determine the premiums you pay for a policy? Insurance agents software helps companies work out what the price of your policy will be, but it all comes down to risk. The higher risk that you present, the higher the premium you will pay. A commercial security system lowers the risk that your company will be the victim of criminal activity, potentially reducing your business insurance policy premiums.

Criminals are less likely to enter a building that has external video cameras. An alarm system will alert the central monitoring system if someone enters without a valid entry code. Internal cameras can capture video of the criminal’s activities and possibly help with identification. This captured footage makes finding and prosecuting criminals easier.

Internally reducing business insurance policy premiums

Besides external security issues, a commercial security system can detect internal security issues. As a business owner, you take care to hire people who you think you can trust. Unfortunately, you may find the people you trust to run your business may not be honest. Internal cameras can help you find out if someone on your staff is stealing or defrauding you. This allows you to take action and lower your internal losses.

A commercial security system also has other advantages besides monitoring criminal activity. What would happen if a fire started in your business and no one knew it was happening? Your commercial building likely has a fire alarm installed, but does it connect to monitoring services? If not, then you are dependent on someone hearing that alarm and calling authorities. With a professionally monitored commercial security system, the monitoring service contacts the fire department as soon as the alert comes through.

Contact your insurance agent and speak with them about what adding a commercial security system would mean for your business insurance premiums. Even if your current insurance carrier does not offer lower premiums for commercial security systems, there are companies that do.

If you want to add a commercial security system to your business, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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Why Every Business Needs An Integrated Security System

You may see a security system as an option for your business, but really, it’s more of a necessity. Some business owners may not want to invest. However, the installation of this product can pay off in the long run and provide many benefits. Take these access control benefits into consideration while you are weighing the possibility of purchasing an integrated security system.

Access control benefits from integrated security systems

Want to know who’s going in and out of your business and when? Keep track of employees as well as potential criminals with an integrated security system. The access control benefits feature allows business owners to note where people are at all times inside their premises. Having a sophisticated turnstile system – such as the ones showcased on the Daosafe manufacturing home page – at the entry of your premises can help to prevent access to people outside of the business, regulate the flow of those entering and monitor throughput.

CCTV allows motion sensors to deploy and video comings and goings of employees or intruders. Business owners can even track a particular individual’s movements. If anything suspicious happens, this is the best way to capture it for the police so business owners have proof of any criminal event.

Many people don’t realize that a perk of having an integrated security system includes fire safety. If or when an emergency happens, the security system can help by opening doors so employees can safely exit. Notify the police and fire department in seconds through your integrated security system, and protect your business assets.

Other integrated security system benefits

You can upgrade this product as you see fit and easily add to it. You can even use the integrated security system as the universal base for your business’s security plan. Having one singular point of contact is a definite benefit of using an integrated security system. Have peace of mind, keep track of employees, and know exactly what’s going on in your business, so you’ll be aware when something happens that shouldn’t. That peace of mind is worth every penny.

For more information about integrated security systems

Contact 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 to get more information about purchasing and installing a security system at your home or business. You can also contact us via email. Browse our website to find out more about the services and products we offer, or get a quote for your alarm right away. Find a location near you and let us help you arm your business so you can breathe easy. We have locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo./

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The Benefits Of Installing Video Surveillance Systems At Work

Are you unsure about adding a video surveillance system to your business’s security? While adding video surveillance does cost money, there are certain benefits to having it as part of your security system. These benefits include the ability to monitor customers and employees. This system also helps prevent theft, break-ins, and vandalism. Above all, video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency.

Video surveillance systems give you the ability to monitor customers and employees

A video surveillance system allows you to see what is going on all around your business. Cameras on the outside give you a view of who is entering and exiting your property at any given time. Cameras can also show you if someone that is not supposed to be on the property is there. Cameras on the inside can tell you if your employees or customers are being dishonest. With a video surveillance system, you can monitor your customers and employees to make sure no one is stealing money or merchandise. The images can be recorded and reviewed later. You can also use captured video as evidence of wrongdoing for the police.

Video surveillance systems help preventing theft, break-ins, and vandalism

Obvious cameras act as a deterrent to theft and break-ins. The threat of being recorded on a video surveillance system often makes criminals think twice before breaking in or stealing something. If burglars decide to continue with their activities, the video will show what they are doing.

Hidden cameras can also have a deterrent effect. If a store becomes known for using hidden cameras to monitor customers and prosecute thieves, the criminal element may start going elsewhere.

Criminal activity is not limited to theft and burglary. Vandalism costs businesses billions of dollars every year. A video surveillance system can also prevent vandalism from occurring by deterring some acts or recording others. If you aim a camera towards a wall that is continually painted with graffiti, you can capture images of who is doing the damage. That is evidence that you can give to the police to find and prosecute those doing the damage.

Video surveillance systems provide the ability to protect your business with the highest efficiency

A video surveillance system is on duty all the time. Unlike employees, a security system takes no vacations and never gets distracted. Cameras can capture everything within their view 24/7, cutting down on your personnel costs without compromising security. A video surveillance system can also monitor areas that are not easily checked by security guards.

Crime is always a concern for any business. Adding a video surveillance system to your business can help you deter criminal activity and keep your premises safe. If you want to speak to someone about adding a video surveillance system to your business, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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Buying A Video Surveillance System For Your Business

Having a video surveillance system is critical if you want to keep your business secure. Before you sign a contract or start ordering equipment, you need to consider what you want to do with a commercial video surveillance system. There are many things to consider including what you want to monitor, resolution types, how you will monitor the video, and what types of cameras you will use.

What do you want to monitor?

Think about the reason you want a commercial video surveillance system in the first place. Do you want to monitor who is coming and going out the front door? Do you need to see who and what is going in and out of the back door or monitor customers and employees? Do you want exterior cameras to help deter potential criminal activity?

What type of resolution do you need?

You can get cameras for your commercial video surveillance system in a wide range of resolutions. The lowest resolution cameras will record basic shapes and colors, but not the details that would help you identify a license number or a face. The highest resolution cameras give you enough detail to read the smallest lettering on a shirt logo and there are plenty of options in between.

How will the video be monitored?

The standard option for monitoring a commercial video surveillance system is to feed the video to a recording device and review it when needed. Another video surveillance option is to have live feeds that an employee or security contractor can monitor. You can even have a live feed that is sent across the internet that you can watch on a cellular device. This option allows you to connect with your video surveillance system and see who is coming and going and what might be happening in the background.

What type of cameras do you need?

To monitor the outside of your business, you will need cameras that are built to be weatherproof. Indoor and outdoor cameras for your commercial video surveillance system also need to be hardened to prevent vandalism.

Infrared cameras offer you the ability to monitor what is going on at night or in dim conditions. This type uses infrared light to illuminate the area so it can capture the action. Day or night security cameras work well in low-light situations and have chips that are extremely light sensitive. While this type does not work in absolute darkness, it does work in low-light conditions like moonlight or street lighting.

Another type for your commercial video surveillance system is the bullet camera, which is small and compact. This camera is perfect for monitoring areas in secret and is lower in cost than many others. The bullet camera is easy to install and manage. Even smaller than the bullet camera is the mini security camera. This type can be smaller than a matchbook but still have good resolution and is easy to hide.

Dome cameras are standard in the video surveillance systems of many retail establishments and are professional and streamlined in appearance. This type can blend into any color ceiling for unobtrusive observation and can be hardened to prevent vandalism.

There are many options available when it comes to adding a video surveillance system to your business. If you want to learn more, contact us here at 1st Alarm. You can call us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

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Top 3 Benefits For Installing A Commercial Security System

Commercial buildings are a prime target for those up to criminal mischief. Installing a commercial security system is the first step to securing your company assets. Commercial security systems protect your business from burglars and shoplifters while also protecting your store and your employees 24/7. Commercial security systems also protect your business from fire with built-in smoke detectors. This feature could end up saving your business and livelihood.

Commercial security systems protect your business from burglars and shoplifters

Overnight and on weekends, your business is vulnerable to break-ins. Burglars love the fact that many businesses are deserted during those times, giving them plenty of time to break in and get anything of value. A commercial security system will stop burglars in their tracks. This system will detect their presence, call the authorities, and notify you that something is happening. Adding an audible commercial security system will help get them out of the building without them taking anything.

However, some thieves do not use the dark of night to steal things. Shoplifters steal right under your nose during the light of day. You can install a commercial security system that will let you monitor several areas of your store using closed circuit TV monitors. You can also add access control to prevent unauthorized people from accessing your store room or offices.

Commercial security systems protect your store and your employees 24/7

Some businesses are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Robbers love these spots because there are very few people around to stop them from trying to rob the store. Having an easy to see commercial security system can deter these criminals from even trying it. You need to give your employees easy to access panic buttons in case someone pulls a gun or makes a threat. You also need cameras in place to capture what is going on to give police a face to look for.

Commercial security systems protect your business from fire

It takes just minutes for a raging fire to reduce a building to rubble. If that building houses your business, you are in trouble. Most commercial security systems have built-in smoke detectors. That way, if a fire starts, the 24-hour monitoring service can get the fire department on its way in seconds. This monitoring service could save your business and your livelihood.

If your business is not currently protected with a commercial security system, don’t wait any longer to add one. Call 1st Alarm today at 1(800) 276-5559 or contact us via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. We look forward to providing you with the best commercial security system available.