Property crime is a significant threat for managers and owners of commercial, industrial and office buildings. According to the FBI, in 2013 there were an estimated 8,632,512 property crimes in the United States. Losses by victims totaled more than $16.6 billion dollars. Commercial, industrial and office sites are often targeted because they are relatively deserted during off hours, which can leave them vulnerable to invasion.
A police study of a variety of property crime prevention methods offers statistically sound evidence that some practices are more effective deterrents than others. One of the most promising methods is the use of Video Surveillance. Surveillance systems are based on the criminal justice theory that perpetrators who think they are being watched or are afraid of being apprehended are less likely to offend. At the same time, the public is more likely to access public spaces with video surveillance equipment on the belief that the security system provides extra assurance of safety.
That same study indicated that video surveillance, used in conjunction with live monitoring, is even more effective. It can alert law enforcement to crimes while in commission, and can aid in the criminal prosecution of crimes by providing images of perpetrators and goods stolen.
The FBI collects national data and evaluates it to determine trends in crime. Breaking down property crimes overall, 2013 burglary crimes were down 8.6% from 2012; larceny-thefts were down 2.7% from 2012, and motor vehicle thefts were down 3.3% compared to 2012 statistics.
The reduction in property crimes in 2013 may be because commercial, industrial and office building management are adding video surveillance as a crime prevention method. In terms of property management tools, the 2011 study indicates that monitored video surveillance offers superior service for crime prevention, crime notification and criminal apprehension and conviction.
Stealth Monitoring proactive live surveillance can detect and deter crime for property crime prevention. Live monitoring provides greater security while reducing security guard and other expenses. A Stealth operator can see unusual activity, activate an audible warning to deter crime, and call the local local police .
Please contact Stealth today for more information to protect your commercial property. Visit our web site to see actual videos of criminals being apprehended at a wide range of businesses.
