Looking for insight into the best office CCTV cameras? Security is a key priority for many businesses, and those operating from offices are no exception. CCTV camera systems are an effective security measure to protect assets, buildings and staff.
In this article, we offer expert insight into the best CCTV cameras for office based businesses. When it comes to workplace surveillance, there is a wide range of security cameras to choose from.
This article is split into relevant sections and you can read it in full or navigate to the most relevant section to your needs via the table of contents, below.
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Table of contents
A guide to the best office security cameras
When dealing with requests for CCTV quotations from office based businesses, we engage with a range of individuals. Depending on the size of the operation these include:
- Office managers
- Company directors
- IT & facilities managers
- Security managers
Each has their own level of understanding and insight into the different types of CCTV cameras. Furthermore, the level of technical expertise ranges from entry level to expert.
This guide to the best security cameras for offices covers most bases and should be easily digested by each of the above mentioned job roles.
Choosing the best office CCTV cameras
Choosing the right mix of surveillance cameras for your workplace CCTV system can be a minefield.
Why?
There are many considerations including:
- Security objectives
- Known and perceived threats
- Budget
- Potential disruption to business operations
- Camera volumes and types
Before we discuss the best types of CCTV cameras for offices, the next two sections of this article cover, the security threats offices face and why businesses need a CCTV system.
Let’s get started.
Why do offices need security camera systems?
Offices need surveillance camera systems to ensure the safety and security of employees and assets. Firstly, by installing security cameras, businesses can deter criminal activities such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
Secondly, security cameras can help businesses monitor employee activities, track productivity, and identify areas for improvement.
Lastly, surveillance cameras will also provide crucial evidence in the event of an incident or accident in the office. As a result, this makes it easier to investigate and resolve the matter.
Need advice on your CCTV options?
As experts in commercial CCTV systems, our team offers a wealth of insight and industry experience. At Safeguard, we offer a free site survey and quote for those looking to improve site surveillance.
Call us today on 0800 689 1835.
Alternatively, if you are researching your options, head over to our page dedicated to office CCTV systems.
What are the main security threats office based business face?
Office-based businesses face a variety of security threats. Some occur often and others more infrequently. By understanding these risks, businesses can formulate an effective security plan and select the most appropriate CCTV cameras for their needs.
In this section, we will outline the top 10 security threats that office-based businesses may face. These include:
- Theft and burglary: External threats such as theft and burglary can be hugely damaging for businesses. Financial loss, stress and more can impact business operations.
- Trespass: Whilst kids playing football or congregating in office car parks doesn’t seem like a major, accidents can occur. Accidents can lead to claims and insurance related headaches.
- Employee theft: Theft of laptops, other IT equipment and cash create challenges that businesses must deal with. After all, no one wants a criminal infiltrating their company. An article in the Daily Echo reports on how an employee stole over £4,000 from his employer.
- Workplace violence: Tensions can run high in stressful environments and incidents of bullying and fighting can occur. This can result in claims for damages, injury and time off work for the victims.
- Fires and arson: The impact of accidental fires and arson can be highly damaging to a business. Furthermore, and most importantly, lives can be lost too.
Looking to improve your office security?
Find out more about our range of security systems for offices.
- Unauthorised access: Responsible businesses should have robust access control systems in place. If not, intruders, disgruntled ex-employees and thieves could easily access a building and commit crimes.
- Vandalism: Damage to property, company vehicles and smashed windows are all threats offices face. Vandalism may seem small fry compared to commercial burglary, however, it causes stress and financial loss to the business targeted. Read this article to see how council offices were targeted by vandals.
- Sabotage: Errant employees, and competitors can sabotage a business operation in a number of ways. This can include vandalism of critical assets and financial loss.
- Data protection breaches: Stolen employee records and sensitive information can create data protection related issues for a business.
- Insider threats: This can include employee theft and sabotage each creating their own unique and sizeable challenges for a business.
Considering each of these threats, It’s important for businesses to have a comprehensive security plan in place. Therefore, measures such as installing surveillance systems, door entry solutions, employee training, and incident response plans are highly recommended.
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What are the best CCTV cameras for offices?
In the following sections of this guide, we cover internal and external CCTV cameras. We offer a short description of each, along with some of the key benefits.
Internal office CCTV cameras
An office building consists of various internal areas requiring surveillance.
These include:
- Corridors
- Office spaces
- Break rooms
- Meeting rooms
- Storage areas
CCTV cameras installed in these areas can help detect intruders, monitor employee behaviour, productivity, and ensure the safety of employees and visitors. In the event of a security incident or accident, surveillance cameras can provide footage to be used as evidence.
When thinking about getting CCTV cameras installed, the cost is often a consideration, If you are reading this article and are also considering your budget, read our article covering the cost of a commercial CCTV system.
In the following three sections on internal office CCTV cameras we focus on:
- Dome cameras
- Corner cameras
- Fisheye cameras
Let’s get started with a short overview of each.
Dome cameras
Dome cameras are the perfect solution for monitoring corridors and office spaces in the workplace. These cameras have a dome-shaped, anti-vandal casing making them hard to tamper with. Considering the above mentioned threats, this makes them comfortably one of the best office CCTV cameras available for workplace security.
Coming in various sizes and resolutions, dome surveillance cameras are highly suited to both small or large office environments. They offer a wide-angle view, which means that businesses can cover a large area with just one camera.
Corner cameras
Corner CCTV cameras are a solid choice for businesses looking for a discreet surveillance solution. To offer context, these cameras are typically installed in the corners of internal rooms and offer full coverage, and field of view of the designated area.
Due to their location, they are less obtrusive than other types of cameras, and can blend in with the surroundings. For image conscious, office based businesses, this makes them one of the best surveillance cameras available. They help maintain a professional appearance while still ensuring that their premises are secure.
Ceiling mounted fisheye cameras
Typically, fisheye cameras are deployed in external settings. However, some brands have developed discreet options, for internal use.
Offering a wide field of view, the cameras are a good choice for businesses looking for coverage across a wide area. Nevertheless, the fisheye lens creates a curved distorted image, therefore, our recommendation would be to deploy dome cameras.
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External office CCTV cameras
In this section of our guide to the best office CCTV cameras, we focus on external surveillance.
External areas of an office building requiring surveillance, include entrances, car parks and building & site perimeters. Well placed CCTV cameras installed in these areas can help prevent criminal activities such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
They can also help identify suspicious behaviour and provide evidence in the event of a crime being committed, or another security related incident.
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Bullet and turret cameras
Bullet and turret CCTV cameras are ideal for monitoring office entrances, the building, and site perimeter. These cameras are designed to be weather-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Compared to dome cameras, they have a narrow field of view. As a result, this makes them suitable for monitoring specific, designated areas. Turret and bullet CCTV cameras are available in various sizes, price points and resolutions, making them suitable for small or large office environments.
PTZ cameras
Car parks are one of the most vulnerable areas of an office building, making them a prime target for theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity. These threats can be mitigated and dealt with by deploying high resolution PTZ cameras.
Furthermore, site perimeters can be vulnerable to intrusion, and PTZ surveillance cameras offer an effective security solution to protect the perimeter.
PTZ cameras are ideal for monitoring large areas, as they can be programmed to pan, tilt, and zoom in on specific locations. They can also be set up to track any movement and provide real-time alerts in the event of suspicious activity.
Night-vision cameras
Night-vision cameras, on the other hand, use infrared technology to capture high-quality images in low-light conditions. Therefore, this makes them an excellent choice for car parks where lighting is an issue.
By deploying these CCTV cameras in car parks, those in charge of office security can:
- Deter criminal activity
- Monitor employee and visitor behaviour
- Protect property and assets
Looking to learn more about PTZ cameras? Read our guide to the types of PTZ cameras and their benefits.
Fisheye cameras
Fisheye CCTV cameras are designed to provide a 360-degree view of a large area. Offering a wide field of view, these surveillance cameras provide extensive coverage with just one camera. As a result, by deploying fisheye’s, it reduces the requirement for extensive cabling, and disruption to business activity.
To summarise, fisheye surveillance devices are ideal for monitoring areas where multiple cameras would be required to cover the same area. Therefore, fewer cameras and less cabling carry a range of associated benefits.
The best office CCTV cameras – article summary
In conclusion, choosing the best CCTV camera system for your office depends on the specific needs of your building and the areas that require monitoring.
Internal surveillance cameras such as dome and fisheye cameras are best suited for monitoring corridors and open office spaces. When it comes to external surveillance, bullet and turret cameras are ideal for entrances and the building perimeter.
Where car parks require surveillance, PTZ cameras and night-vision cameras are the best options.
Overall, investing in a high-quality, robust CCTV camera system can provide peace of mind and detect and deter threats. Lastly, a well designed CCTV system will enhance the safety and security of your office building, assets and staff.
