Installing CCTV is an essential step for you and your business, helping you deter theft, capture footage for evidence and reduce your insurance premiums. That said, CCTV is not a ‘one-and-done’ security system — it brings serious responsibility.
Choosing the right CCTV security company to help protect your property, people and assets from potential threats will be one of the most crucial decisions that you’ll have to make. Like any other service provider, there are good security companies and some not so good firms. To avoid costly mistakes, we recommend you consider the five points below.
Check their references
Once your CCTV system, alarms and access control systems are in place, you will feel better protected, as will your staff; however, remote CCTV monitoring is becoming one of the most popular security services — and for good reason. Without a proactive, responsible, and professional security guard to monitor your CCTV footage, it’s impossible to maintain excellent security. Of course, when hiring a guard, it’s wise to ensure they have testimonials from clients in your area, perhaps working with businesses of a similar size to you. If they don’t have any references or testimonials available, try doing a bit of research on your own. You may find case studies on their website or see references across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Look for experience
How long have they been in business? If they’re relatively new to the scene, ask the management team about their approach to CCTV monitoring and the hands-on experience they can deliver. Today, you need to be hiring SIA-licensed security guards, and whilst there will always be young, enthusiastic and passionate security guards who don’t have decades of experience, it’s beneficial to choose a company with a large team, allowing you to narrow down on the right individuals to protect your organisation.
Do they have proper insurance?
Make sure the security firm you are hiring carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance policies to protect you from potential claims due to accidents or injuries while at work. You should also check if your commercial property policy covers any damage caused by burglars, fire and theft. Security guards should also know what to do in these circumstances, so it’s always advantageous to ask about their procedures and risk assessments.
Check for credentials
Before hiring a CCTV security firm, find out if they are licensed. You may have come across the acronyms ‘SIA’ and ACS’ whilst you’ve been doing your research. The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a voluntary scheme managed by the SIA as part of its remit to “raise performance standards and assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities”. It aims to achieve this by putting in place a system of inspection for providers of security services. At Intraguard, we hold SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of security guarding, and we’re best placed to assist with remote CCTV monitoring and manned guarding, no matter how small or large your organisation may be. Whether you wish to work with us or another security company in the UK, we feel it’s essential that you seek SIA-licensed guards. This accreditation instantly tells you they are permitted to work in contracted security. The security firm you choose to monitor and manage your CCTV should also have some experience under its belt to give it an edge over others. These elements make up the foundation of any solid business
Make sure your potential CCTV security firm provides you http://cctv monitoring serviceswith free written estimates on how much it will cost to install security cameras at your home or office before moving forward with additional steps. A good company should not have any problem providing you with this information after learning about your individual needs regarding keeping surveillance on certain parts of your property. In our experience, we find the best security firms are those that provide tailored services rather than off-the-shelf packages. At Intraguard, we take the time to get to know our clients, understand their business, challenges, people, culture and unique vulnerabilities. We provide free, no-obligation quotations with clear pricing breakdowns and no hidden extras.
If you’d like to learn more about Intraguard, wish to speak to us about your CCTV system or require ongoing monitoring, please do not hesitate to call us on 0333 888 0247. Alternatively, you can send us a message or email info@intraguard.co.uk, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your requirements as soon as possible.