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Quartermaster: Equipment Room/Video
Surveillance
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Video
Surveillance In Nightclubs, Bars, Pubs and Taverns
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Video surveillance has been a popular security tool for years. Security
cameras are an everyday occurrence, and chances are,
you're used to watching yourself walk into a store on a security monitor.
However, these analog CCTV systems are expensive, requiring complicated
installations and constant upkeep, making this type of security unrealistic for
smaller businesses with limited budgets.
Fortunately, advances in digital
technology have made video surveillance more flexible and easy to use than ever.
Security systems using IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are easy to install and
maintain, and are infinitely customizable, allowing you to create the security
system that conforms exactly to your needs.
IP cameras and
recording is widely predicted to be the way of the future, and cameras are
becoming widely available – in packages or bundled together with software and
support, or on their own. With most IP camera systems, all you need to do is
choose where you want the cameras and plug them in – it’s that easy! The most
difficult part of setting up a video surveillance system is finding the right
cameras for you. Digital video surveillance cameras come in so many varieties
that choosing the right one for you may seem daunting. What makes one camera
different from another? What kind of cameras work best for your venue? How do
you figure out exactly what you need?
Bars and
restaurants are perfect for video surveillance because they are susceptible to
many different risks. A constantly revolving customer and employee base, along
with high rates of theft are common among bars and restaurants. A smartly
installed video surveillance system can help prevent theft and improve safety
and restaurant image.
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The
Benefits Of Security Cameras
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Easy installation – IP cameras are easy to
install and set up. Unlike analog CCTV cameras, all you
need to do is mount your cameras and hook up your
recorder. No coaxial cable or power tools necessary.
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Prevent theft - Video surveillance can help
prevent problems like employee theft and “dine and dash,”
where customers eat but leave the restaurant before their
bill arrives.
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Lower fights and violence – Fights are common in
crowded bars, especially during charged environments like
sports games or weekend nights. Security cameras can help
prevent fights and in the event of violence, help to
identify the responsible parties.
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Check footage anytime – An IP camera network with
an NVR (network video recorder) can broadcast footage over
the internet, allowing you to check up on your restaurant
or bar at anytime. This is perfect if you have a chain
restaurant – you can check up on multiple locations
without having to be in multiple places at once.
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How CCTV
Systems Can Be Risky
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Privacy – Cameras should only record in public
places like dining rooms, bars, stockrooms, and kitchens.
Keep security cameras out of bathrooms and employee break
rooms.
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Vandalism – Cameras in public places are
susceptible to vandalism, especially in bars. Vandalized
or damaged cameras can cause lapses in your recording.
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Outages – Power surges and outages can cause
damage to your system or interrupt recording. Although
they occur rarely, they are still a possibility. Have
other security measure in place should your video
surveillance system fail.
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Things
To Consider Before Purchasing A Bar and Restaurant
Surveillance System
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Security needs for restaurants
and bars depend on a multitude of different factors. The right surveillance
system for one restaurant may not work for another. Consider each of the
following factors when setting up your security cameras:
- Have you had major fights
in your bar or restaurant in the past?
- Do you have a problem with
“dine and dash” or customer theft?
- What do you consider to be
your most important security risk?
- What security systems do
you currently have in place?
- Do you feel that your
neighborhood contributes to your overall security?-
- Are you a bar, restaurant
or both?
- Do you have daily specials
or events that drive more customers to your restaurant or bar on certain
days?
- What is your average
customer demographic?
- Is your bar or restaurant
constantly busy or do you have “rushes” during dinner, lunch, happy hour,
etc?
- Have you had problems with
employee theft (stealing from register, stealing food, giving out free
food or drinks)?
- Do you lease a space from
a larger building, or do you have a stand-alone building with a parking
lot?
- If you are part of
a larger building (like an
office or a
hotel),
does that building offer security services for your restaurant or bar?
- Can your employees easily
survey the dining room or bar from the kitchen or servers’ station
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Advice
For Restaurant Security Cameras
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- Place cameras in open
areas like dining rooms to protect customers and prevent theft.
- Cameras in your kitchen
can help you monitor workplace safety and keep your facilities up to
municipal health codes
- Place cameras near
entrances and exits in order to get an image of each customer and visitor
as they come and go.
- Fixed cameras near office
safes and cash registers can help prevent theft.
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