Crime continues to rise in the United Kingdom. A total of 6.5 million crimes were reported in 2022, a rise of seven per cent on pre-pandemic levels. Construction companies can ill afford to ignore the high possibility that thieves have their eyes on the expensive equipment and materials common to building sites.
SafeSite Security Solutions recognises the real, practical benefits of CCTV in reducing crime in construction. That’s why we continue to offer unparalleled video security products and services that keep an eagle eye on your company’s valuable property.
A demonstrated deterrent
Would-be criminals deterred by video cameras are naturally unlikely to go public with that information, so it can be hard to precisely define how much CCTV deters crime. However, it requires no giant leap of the imagination to suggest that the visibility of cameras is off-putting to criminals.
Indeed, research by the College of Policing suggests that video surveillance reduces criminal activity, with areas hosting CCTV 13 per cent lower in overall crime than those without it. That figure translates to 13 crimes avoided out of every 100 potentialities, which is significant relief to the 13 companies spared the misery and cost of assault on person or property.
In an article from 2018, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), reported that 69% of construction businesses found that good lighting, linked to CCTV is an effective measure for crime prevention.
It is no wonder that the presence of cameras can deter would-be burglars and opportunistic theft. The temptation to steal is reduced when someone is watching.
Insurance costs less
Property insurance premiums continue to rise, and many factors dictate insurance costs. The size of the property, its geographic location, and a history of previous crimes – all important influences on insurance costs that we cannot change.
What we can do to lower insurance premiums is install effective, thorough CCTV since many insurance companies will offer lower rates if you have this security measure.
For insurers, it is evident that the risk to them is reduced since property owners with video surveillance are less often subjected to burglary.
Make sure you choose an insurance company that offers this discount, and always read the small print so your equipment and its deployment align with your provider’s requirements.
Can you afford not to?
Insurance providers Allianz Cornhill recently revealed that theft costs the construction sector a whopping £800 million annually when all costs resulting from theft are considered.
The building sector in Britain is already battling rising general costs for vehicles, equipment, and fuel; it could do without the additional financial loss involved in theft. The economic consequences of theft are not hard to fathom, given the price of today’s technology, with specialised equipment sometimes costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Visible CCTV, combined with high, robust perimeter fencing, is the ultimate weapon against thieves lured by expensive equipment.
Pivotal in prosecution
While primarily intended to prevent criminal acts, video can also serve as conclusive proof that a break-in has occurred. Cameras also record other troublesome issues, such as anti-social behaviour near or on your property, which could be remedied by identifying individuals on video.
CCTV imagery is frequently used in court. Indeed, the provision of such conclusive evidence is often enough to persuade a suspect to plead guilty early, avoiding an awkward court case and often ensuring some victim compensation.
Why our CCTV solutions?
SafeSite Security Solutions provides video surveillance for round the clock supervision of premises to ensure their protection. This solution can be an economical choice compared with the ongoing expense of deploying security officers.
If an alarm is triggered, you will be alerted in a matter of minutes by our alarm supervision staff, who can also contact the police if necessary.
The manoeuvrability of our portable video units means their location can be changed when the perception of risk changes. Rather than unscrewing fixed cameras, move the mobile units to whichever location you choose.
Featuring high-definition video and wireless operation, SafeSite Security Solutions’ CCTV lets you watch over your property from afar. You might give this responsibility to a dedicated security hub, a popular option we offer that provides real peace of mind.
If you’d like to chat about how our security products and services can give you peace of mind to focus on your core business interests, or visit https://www.safesitesecuritysolutions.co.uk/products/security-alarms-cctv/24hr-monitored-cctv