Many businesses equip security alarms and cameras. However, these systems aren’t enough to deter potential criminals, leaving your property vulnerable. While cameras can capture an ongoing theft, thieves can get away with it if you don’t respond on time. Even if you capture their faces, that’s no guarantee you’ll recover your cargo, equipment, or other valuables they may have taken.
Alarms and cameras remain a reactive security approach to a growing external theft problem. Learning the limitations of these solutions and what you can do about them should help protect your business.
Why Alarms and Cameras Are Not Foolproof
Jurisdictions typically require visual confirmation before acting on an alarm, as false alarms drain and divert public safety resources. For instance, in Seattle, Washington, the police department requires audio, video, or human verification of a crime before they respond.
You might think security cameras solve the issue, but you won’t have the proof you need if the crime happened in your facility’s blind spot. Even with video verification, police response can take time, especially if other higher-priority crimes are in progress.
Security cameras can have poor image quality, especially in outdated systems. Pixelated, grainy, and indecipherable images are useless when trying to identify criminals. Older systems also don’t have the remote monitoring capabilities of modern systems. Trees and debris easily obstruct their view, while thieves damage them.
Depending on how the system is set up, security cameras may even experience recording, signal, and power failures. Using proactive security solutions offers better protection for your facility.
Risks of Reactive Security Solutions
Since alarms and cameras aren’t enough, it’s best to understand the risks of reactive solutions. With these tools, you’re simply collecting evidence of crimes instead of preventing them. You also risk noncompliance with industry standards that require more advanced solutions, such as physical security measures.
Would-be criminals are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and organized in their operations. Recovering stolen equipment or cargo is often harder and more costly than implementing multi-layered security solutions. However, being reactive has consequences beyond financial losses. It impacts your business operations, customer trust, and reputation.
What Effective Security Risk Management Looks Like
An effective risk management strategy can protect your business in the long term, regardless of your industry. It ensures your assets, such as your physical equipment, cargo, or business information, don’t fall into the wrong hands. To understand what you need beyond alarms and cameras, consider these steps:
- Request a site risk assessment: Identifying risks early on is a proactive strategy that can help you learn your vulnerabilities. You’ll determine which issues are likely to occur and what you can do to prevent or mitigate them. You can receive these risk assessments from a third party who knows your industry. Some sectors require risk assessments, and you may need to keep relevant documentation for a set period.
- Identify the best ways to mitigate risks: After assessing the risks, it’s time to plan for solutions. For instance, to reduce the likelihood of external theft, you may install a physical barrier around your site. You may also transfer the risks to a third party who can manage and maintain the security equipment for you.
- Regularly monitor risks and solutions: Effective risk management requires regular monitoring. You need to continue tracking and identifying new risks while reviewing appropriate solutions.
Effective Security Solutions for Your Business
Most facilities benefit from a multi-layered security strategy that can include elements ranging from physical barriers to remote monitoring. Physical security solutions are often most prioritized due to the heightened security concerns in global trade. When determining which solutions to adopt, consider the following:
Electric Fencing
An electric fence offers a physical barrier for your site’s perimeter, discouraging potential intruders. These fences can be as tall as 10 feet, though height requirements may vary by jurisdiction. You can get fences rated up to 7,000 volts, which are medically safe but effective at deterring would-be trespassers. These fences can also have angled tops or bottoms as add-ons, which prevent criminals from tossing items over your fence or from digging under it.
This physical barrier offers additional peace of mind for you and your employees. You won’t need staff to actively monitor your cameras, especially during off-hours.
Remote and Mobile Monitoring
Partnering an electric fence with a video surveillance system ensures you capture activities within your site’s perimeter. This surveillance system provides the visual confirmation jurisdictions need in the event of a crime. Working with a third-party provider enables 24/7 monitoring, which increases your chances of catching criminals in the act. You’ll also be able to monitor your facility from anywhere.
Automatic Alarms and Lighting
While alarms and cameras on their own aren’t enough, they offer protection through instant alerts and increased visibility. For instance, you may place motion alarms in your offices or warehouses. You get to control who has access to certain buildings based on authorization levels.
Integrated fence lighting can also turn on immediately during a breach. This automation enables you to spot criminals in the act. If the alarm systems include sirens, they can startle intruders and alert your staff to the ongoing crime, mitigating potential damage.
Your Business Is Worth the Additional Security Investment
Considering that alarms and cameras have limitations, it’s well worth investing in multi-layered security solutions. A well-integrated security system eliminates your need for security guards, saving you on labor costs. Advanced solutions deliver real, long-lasting value by protecting you from costly repercussions. You’ll also ensure compliance with relevant industry standards that require modern security solutions.
Criminals can target facilities multiple times, especially if they’ve noted your vulnerabilities. If you’ve experienced past security breaches, it’s even more essential to improve your systems. When looking for the right solutions, consider your specific needs, industry, and local requirements. Working with a trusted security provider will help ensure you’ve addressed all relevant concerns for your unique circumstances.
Take a Proactive Approach to Security With AMAROK
As an award-winning provider, we’re ready to help you elevate your site’s security through our advanced solutions. The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence protects your perimeter, providing a 7,000-volt obstacle that makes would-be criminals think twice about their intentions. It prevents 99% of external theft for over 9,000 happy AMAROK customers.
For even greater protection, connect this fence with our other solutions, such as FORTIFYE™ video surveillance and monitoring and Sentinel systems that emit loud sirens and red and blue lights at the location of an attempted breach. You’ll get a multi-layered security solution that saves our average customer $120,000 by replacing security guards.
Our electric fence also meets the world’s trusted safety codes, including standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission and American National Standards Institute. AMAROK, as the sole owner of The Electric Guard Dog Fence, guarantees that it will protect you and your assets. AMAROK is backed by $11 million in liability insurance and is committed to defending our customers. If you’re ready to get started, find a local representative for a free threat assessment.
