Security cameras for restaurants in Boca Raton, Florida are very important, and you need to think about purchasing and installing one of these systems for your eating establishment as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Following the tips and advice in this article can help ensure that you purchase the best security camera system for your restaurant as possible.
Why is Restaurant Security so Important?
Since you probably work hard to run your restaurant, you might not feel as if you have a whole lot of time or money to invest in security systems for restaurants in Boca Raton, Florida. However, there are many reasons why restaurant security is imperative for any dining establishment.
• Protecting your business is important; you have probably put your heart and soul into your restaurant, along with a lot of your cash. This means that you can’t afford to lose anything in your dining establishment. Failing to install a security system and take other security-related measures can be very costly in the long run, however. For instance, you could find out that your employees are stealing from you, and employee theft can be very costly for business owners. Along with worrying about employees who might steal from you, you also have to think about the damage that criminals can cause and the things that they can steal, and think about the fact that a lot of this damage can be prevented if you install a security camera system and take other related precautions in order to keep your restaurant safe.
• The bottom line of your business is probably to make money, and you might be afraid to shell out the cash that is related to purchasing a security-related system and equipment. However, you can actually save money in the long run by taking these precautions because you can help deter crime. Security camera systems can last for a very long time if you choose the right system and if you take good care of it, meaning that the investment isn’t something that you will have to make often. Also, consider talking to someone from your commercial insurance company; you might be eligible for a nice discount if you install certain types of security-related equipment in your restaurant, which can help offset the cost of this important investment.
• Keeping everyone safe should be a priority any time that you open and run a commercial business. Not only do you have to worry about your own safety, but you also have to make sure that you keep your employees and all of your customers as safe as possible. By taking the right measures, however, you can make everyone safer while they are at your establishment.
• In order for your restaurant to run smoothly, it is important for you to have a good reputation. If you don’t keep your restaurant safe, however, it could quickly develop a reputation for being in a dangerous area, and this can really kill your business. Even small things, such as having proper lighting and cameras in your parking lot, can make everyone who patronizes your business feel much safer. It might even make people choose your business over other restaurants that aren’t quite as safe as your own.
How to Choose Security Systems for Restaurants in Boca Raton, Florida
When you go shopping for security cameras and other equipment for your restaurant for the first time, chances are good that you will be overwhelmed by all of the different equipment that is available. Although you might be stressed out when it comes to choosing the right system, you should know that it isn’t as tricky as you might think.
Shopping in the right place is one of the first things that you should pay attention to, however. Although you might have seen security cameras and other similar equipment at your favorite mass market retail store or in a sales ad for a local electronics store, you should probably avoid shopping for this equipment at one of these places. A lot of times, the equipment that you will find isn’t of the same quality as what you will need for your restaurant. You will also have far fewer options to choose from when it comes to your security camera system, and you won’t be able to count on the employees to know what they are talking about when you ask questions. Therefore, you might want to think about shopping with a security camera-related equipment store instead so that you can get the best possible equipment and so that you can actually talk to someone who knows what he or she is doing.
• Look for wireless technology for best results. Although people have been using more traditional security camera systems with success for quite a long time, you should definitely reap the benefits of the newest and best technology if possible. Wireless security camera systems have lots of benefits; for instance, the installation of them is a lot easier, meaning that you can probably put in your own cameras and systems without having to pay for installation. You can also enjoy the ease of switching out individual cameras if you do have a problem, moving your cameras whenever you want to without a major hassle and not having to worry about someone cutting the wires that run to your system or otherwise similarly damaging your system.
• Make sure that you invest in a digital video recorder that is sufficient for your restaurant-related needs. Since you will probably have a lot of cameras in total between the ones inside and outside of your restaurant, you will also need a digital video recorder that is compatible with multiple cameras. Also, check to make sure that your surveillance camera system has all of the features that you want and need. For instance, you might wish to link it to your modem so that you can stream your footage and watch it while you are at home or away from your restaurant on business. You might also want to be able to burn DVDs that have your restaurant surveillance footage on them, or you could want to take advantage of other types of technology. There are tons of features available on the newest and greatest security systems for restaurants in Boca Raton, Florida, so make sure that you check out all of your options before you make a purchase.
• Purchase a large and clear monitor so that you will be able to easily watch your surveillance camera footage.
Where to Install Security Cameras
Obviously, one of the most important components of your security camera system is your security cameras, so it is important for you to make sure that you place them in all of the right places.
First of all, consider looking at your office, cash register area and anywhere else in your business where cash might be stored of handled. You should certainly make sure that you have cameras in place in these areas, and make sure that the footage is clear enough so that you can see everything that is going on and easily identify anyone who puts their hands where they shouldn’t. You might even want to consider looking into technology that will show on your camera footage what is being input into your cash register; this can help you catch mistakes that your employees are making and can also help cut down on employee theft, and having these cameras in place can deter burglars and prevent your employees from stealing from you.
Along with placing cameras where money will be handled, you should consider putting it near your stock. Even though the idea of your employees stealing food and such from you might seem preposterous, it is something that happens more frequently than many employers think. By placing cameras in the areas where your stock could potentially be stolen, however, you can help cut down on the number of employees who will be willing to risk it. You can also address these situations properly if you have surveillance cameras in place because you will have the solid proof that you need to press charges or take other steps.
These aren’t the only places where security cameras should be placed in a restaurant, however. By placing security cameras near the entrances to your restaurant, you can keep a close eye on who enters your business; this holds people accountable and helps you keep tabs on who is inside your establishment. Placing them in your parking lot and around the exterior perimeter of your restaurant can also make a difference because it will help prevent people from vandalizing or trying to break into your building or committing other crimes and actions on your property, and you can always turn the surveillance camera footage over to the local authorities if necessary.
Other Important Safety and Security Precautions
Security cameras can do a lot to keep your restaurant safe from crime, but you shouldn’t depend on them solely in order to keep your restaurant secure. Instead, consider these other forms of security; by combining them all, you can make sure that your restaurant is one of the safest and most secure in Boca Raton.
• Install burglar alarms inside your restaurant. Although surveillance cameras can scare away a lot of would-be robbers, some might get brave enough to try to get into your restaurant if they think they can get away with it. By setting burglar alarms every evening when you close, you can feel confident in knowing that both you and the local authorities will be contacted by your security company in the event that someone tries to break in. The alarm that goes along with the burglar alarm system might also be enough to scare off a would-be criminal before he or she can take anything or cause too much damage to your restaurant. It can also bring forth the local authorities quickly enough that the criminal gets caught red-handed, which can help you recover your stolen goods and can also ensure that the criminal has to face justice for what he or she has done to your restaurant.
• Although it might seem like a no-brainer, not every business owner pays a lot of attention to simple things like locks. However, installing nice and secure locks on your doors and windows can be one of the cheapest and best ways to keep your restaurant safe when it is closed for the evening. Also, make sure that your doors and windows are always closed securely, and make repairs to them as quickly as possible when they need them.
• Proper lighting is essential. Although you might not want to install bright lights in your dining room because you fear it will ruin the atmosphere, installing them in your parking lot and around the exterior of your business can help prevent crime. Lights are one of the more affordable options when it comes to security-related equipment, so don’t skimp on them, and make sure that your entire outdoor perimeter is as well-lit as possible. Also, consider looking for energy efficient lighting options so that you won’t have to worry about running up your light bill; although energy efficient lighting can be a little more costly up-front, you will end up saving a lot of money on electricity in just a few short months.
Although a bit of an investment is required in order for you to put all of these things into place in and around your restaurant, you are sure to be glad that you did. Not only can you experience peace of mind in knowing that your restaurant is much more safe and secure, but your customers and employees are sure to appreciate it as well. You also shouldn’t have to make another similar investment any time soon if you take good care of your cameras, digital video recorder and other equipment. Contact us today for a free consultation.
