24 hour surveillance thanks to camera images
As an entrepreneur, you can hardly avoid using one or more surveillance cameras. It is especially important to determine its purpose. Is it a preventive measure or is it intended to track down criminals?
The police are aware of the need for surveillance cameras. They maintain a database called camera in view. The police can use this database to see where cameras are located. This makes it a lot easier to catch criminals or perpetrators more quickly.
Tips for purchasing surveillance cameras
Everywhere on the internet you will find advice regarding the purchase of surveillance cameras. The police also have a number of tips, which can be found on the police website.
It is important to choose a good system. It is possible to connect the camera system to a video surveillance center or a private alarm center. Those who do not want this can manage recordings themselves. For example, using an HD recorder or an app on the smartphone.
Placement of the cameras
Just as important is the placement of the surveillance cameras. Increase the chance that perpetrators will walk through the screen by hanging cameras in strategic places. This means at least at the entrance doors, but also at crime-prone places such as the cash register, the storage room and the safe room. It is not permitted to install cameras in toilet blocks, bathrooms, changing rooms or fitting rooms.
Image quality plays an important role. Too low a resolution means that perpetrators may not be identifiable. Therefore, choose surveillance cameras that film in at least full HD resolution, but preferably even higher (2K or 4K). Also look at night vision, is this available on the camera? More indispensable when 24-hour supervision is required.
Privacy regarding image recordings (filming)
In principle, making video recordings is only permitted to protect property, employees and customers. You may not simply film public roads unless this is necessary. You are obliged to make it known that surveillance cameras are present. You do this by means of a warning sign or sticker at the entrance door or front door.
Do not keep image recordings longer than necessary, with a maximum of four weeks. The rules regarding privacy can be found in the Personal Data Protection Act.
Some more tips from the police
Make sure surveillance cameras cannot be sabotaged. The view of the cameras may also not be obstructed by a billboard, column or pillar, scaffolding or anything else. Also take the light into account. In poorly lit areas it is necessary to choose cameras with a low-light-sensitive lens. Backlight makes images unclear.
