Covert Security Camera Installation
Gold Coast covert security camera installation tips. 1. Use a licensed cabler. 2. Use a person permitted to do electrical work (restricted electrical, or electrician) where hard wiring power. 3. Be discreet. 4. Select good quality equipment for all circumstances (including low light). 5. Record off site. 6. Choose a random service you are comfortable with, not co-located with your business.
A covert security camera installation is often done, in a workplace, where stealing as a servant is suspected. It is often in the retail, or services sector, where cash changes hands. We do not do security camera installations, on the Gold Coast; this is a specialist area, however, we have had years of experience in reviewing footage, and have a few tips for you.
Overt (not hidden) security camera installation is often used in pubic areas of a business, for security, including theft by customers, and protection of employees (and customers) where a robbery, or assault, occurs. When installing overt security cameras remember to have at least one facing inwards, on the path out of the area (a person leaving in a hurry often does not mask their features) e.g. over the door, or on the footpath, or both, covering exits.
In all cases use good quality equipment, including good quality low light cameras, and record off site, battery backup for power disruptions, is also a good idea. Use the best you can afford, for both covert, and overt, camera's (price does not always indicate quality). Do your own research.
Where you suspect an employee, a business partner, of skimming (stealing as a servant, or simply stealing) the till, there are a number of pointers. An electronic till has a memory, you will often see people skimming taking the money, and placing it in a pocket, or under the cash tray, or under the till, then cancelling the transaction. It is especially helpful if the thief is also counting the money, so they can ensure the till 'balances'. Drop safes, where counting is undertaken by others, are also a good idea.
Usually you will install multiple covert camera's, separate to the overt security system. These should be installed out of hours, discreetly. These need to cover the till from at least two sides, and the area where cash is counted, from opposite corners, as a minimum. Remember that it is illegal to record conversation, where you are not a party to the conversation, or one party to the conversation is aware that audio is being recorded, so audio is less important than quality visual recording, as it cannot be used as evidence, in court.
For a business, both the overt (showing customers/transactions), and covert (showing the cancellation, skimming), are important, as is the electronic history of the till. Taking copies of these, on a daily, or weekly, basis, as appropriate, and filing them off site, is important evidence gathering.
The most tedious, time consuming, part of the process, once the installation is done, is reviewing the recordings. Once the evidence is established, you can consider a criminal action, for an employee, or civil action if a partner (and they may claim a 'right'); talk to your solicitor to establish the best way forward. As a private investigation service we do review recordings, and conduct interviews (there are times when the business may choose to address the issue themselves). We hope these tips help you. We are the Gold Coast private investigator service, phone 1300 966 103, or email info@goldcoastprivateinvestigator.com.au, ex-police and experienced, licensed, investigators; we conduct private investigator surveillance, and factual investigations, on the Gold Coast.