CEO Forum
Passing on our expertise
Physical Security or Electronic - We are living in an age where crime is rampant. Criminals seem to become more brazen every day. Businesses have become a major target. Corporate espionage is on the rise, with criminals frequently targeting major corporations to steal their information and sell it to the competition on the black market. Shoplifting is responsible for massive losses in retail, and homes and apartment buildings are potential break-in targets. The bottom line is that no matter where you are, you can never be too safe or have too much security. If you are a building manager or a business owner, you will need to consider whether to use a security guard or surveillance system, or both. Just in case you have to choose between the two, let’s start by comparing security guard vs a camera.
Camera
Cameras can be a valuable resource when it comes to documenting a criminal act and identifying the perpetrators at a later time. However, your ultimate goal should be to prevent a crime from happening in the first place. Does the sight of a surveillance camera pointing at them prevent a criminal from breaking into a building? The answer is probably not. As long as the criminal has his or her face covered to prevent being identified, most of them will go ahead with their misdeed.
Security Officer
Having an actual living, trained and experienced professional on site is a complete game changer when it comes to protecting a building or business from being broken into. If criminals approach a building and see a security guard, there is the much stronger crime deterrent of potentially being caught in the act, as opposed to appearing anonymously on film. So in the comparison between security guard vs a camera, it can be concluded that surveillance cameras are always useful, but they will never be a satisfactory replacement for a trained, on-site security officer.
Camera
Cameras can be a valuable resource when it comes to documenting a criminal act and identifying the perpetrators at a later time. However, your ultimate goal should be to prevent a crime from happening in the first place. Does the sight of a surveillance camera pointing at them prevent a criminal from breaking into a building? The answer is probably not. As long as the criminal has his or her face covered to prevent being identified, most of them will go ahead with their misdeed.
Security Officer
Having an actual living, trained and experienced professional on site is a complete game changer when it comes to protecting a building or business from being broken into. If criminals approach a building and see a security guard, there is the much stronger crime deterrent of potentially being caught in the act, as opposed to appearing anonymously on film. So in the comparison between security guard vs a camera, it can be concluded that surveillance cameras are always useful, but they will never be a satisfactory replacement for a trained, on-site security officer.
A few common sense steps can help you reduce becoming a victim of auto theft:
- Never leave your car running and unattended, even to dash into a business
- Never leave your keys in the car or ignition, even inside a locked garage
- Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front of your home
- Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.
- Always park in a high-traffic, well-lighted area, if possible
- Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake pedal to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Commonly called clubs, collars, or J-bars, these devices can act as a highly visible physical deterrent if installed properly
- Investigate the purchase of an auto alarm system if you live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle. Display an alarm decal near the door handle.
- If you park in a fee garage, take the pay-ticket with you. It's the thief's ticket out of the garage, too.
- If you use valet parking, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no identifying information is attached to the key. Do the same when you take your car for repairs
- Carry your drivers’ license, registration, and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle
- Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them on you with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need this information promptly.
