The Security Technology Executive magazine wrote an article about local Chicago metal scrap yard Aluma. The scrap yard is currently working to overcome recurrent theft.

Why are Scrap Yards an Easy Target?

Aluma is not alone. Scrap yards have a history of being easy targets to thieves. Burglars know that scrap metal such as copper, aluminum, and pipes offer a quick a buck. Additionally, scrap metal is near impossible to trace if stolen. All of these factors combined create a perfect storm. Scrap yard owners loose thousands of dollars. For instance, a commercial sheet of stainless steel or aluminum can cost as much as $2,500.

In the case of Aluma, it was targeted by thieves during the night and losing thousands of dollar. The metal pieces burglars were stealing were very large and heavy.

Their first solution of hiring a security guard was costing upward of $10,000 a month. To save some money, but still protect their property, their next solution was installing a video surveillance system to be the “eyes and ears” overseeing their six acre site. Unfortunately, the system was giving false alarms every time the wind blew or it rained. Their security company reevaluated Aluma’s needs and concluded that burglars would require a vehicle to haul away their stolen loot. Wireless motion sensor transmitters were then installed at their three entrance/exit roads, triggering signals back to their central control station, and alerting of any unauthorized activity.

The end results

Aluma got a return on their investment by recouping their costs of installing their surveillance system. They reallocated their $120,000 security guard costs and completely eliminated being an easy target for theft.

With having scrap yards as a couple of VinTech’s clients, we know our clients have faced similar problems like Aluma. A surveillance system with remote viewing and motion triggers is one of best investments, and preventive measures, that a business so susceptible to theft could make.

The post Reasons Why a Scrap Yard is an Easy Target for Theft appeared first on VinTech Systems.

When you are in the market for a surveillance system, knowing which cameras you need can be quite perplexing. When you talk to dealers, they tend to throw security industry buzz words around like confetti, PTZ this, Megapixel that, bullets, domes, DVR, Wah wah woh wah wah, Varifocal! Why is Charlie Brown’s teacher selling me security cameras? If you are one of the uninitiated, you most likely feel the same way. So in an effort to help you gain some understanding about surveillance cameras, we are starting a series of articles called surveillance cameras for beginners. So let’s get started. Please feel free to comment or ask questions; any experts reading this, please feel free to share your wisdom with us.

We’ll start off with Questions to ask yourself before you start shopping for surveillance cameras.

1) Application

What is the intended purpose of your surveillance system?

*Recording and Storing video, Monitoring one room or multiple rooms, Monitoring Entry doors or all access points

2) Indoor or Outdoor

Will your cameras be used indoors or outdoors?

*If outdoors, cameras need housing and enclosures to protect them from environmental conditions, such heat, cold, humidity, glare, rain, and snow.

3) Fixed Lens or Zoom Lens

Do you need to be able to zoom in and out of a scene?

4) Fixed Mount or PTZ (Point-Tilt-Zoom)

How important is it for you to be able to move the camera up, down, or side to side?

5) Real-time or Later Viewing

Do you want to be able to view video images as they happen or is storing images for later preferable?

6) Resolution

Do you just need an overall view or do you need to see details? This will help determine whether you should go Analog or Megapixel.

7) Local Viewing or Remote Viewing

Do you want to be able to monitor your cameras from anywhere?

Asking yourself these questions before you start shopping around for surveillance cameras will help get you thinking about what you really want and need in a surveillance system. Check back with us for Pt.2 of the Surveillance Cameras for Beginners series.

The post Surveillance Cameras for Beginners Pt.1 appeared first on VinTech Systems.