How to Overcome Some of the Video-Security Challenges Faced by Self-Storage Operators?

Installing surveillance cameras throughout a self-storage facility is one of the most effective ways to provide and promote security.

FREMONT, CA: The self-storage industry is one of America's fastest-growing sectors, and its sustained success has attracted increased attention. Unfortunately, it wasn't all positive. Today’s criminals are sophisticated. Criminals increasingly target self-storage units with various attacks, from arson to vandalism to theft. Primary deterrents, such as analogue CCTV systems and record-and-store video cameras, are no longer effective in keeping the self-storage facility and customers’ property safe. Below are the common challenges operators face with using video cameras and how to overcome them.

Low-quality images

A camera is as good as its image quality. Even the most advanced analogue CCTV monitors capture images that are at best blurry and grainy. Moreover, if the object moves quickly or the environment is dark, the user may not depict anything. The reason is the underlying technology is outdated, distorting the images captured. Ultimately, users will have difficulty identifying the details that would help solve a crime like license-plate numbers, characteristics identifying a criminal, etc. IP cameras have much better image quality than analogue CCTV. They capture high-definition, crisp, clear, and conclusive digital images, even if the subject moves.

Uncertain surveillance data

Most CCTV and record-and-store video systems store on-site recordings captured. This is problematic, as if a criminal breaks into a self-storage facility, he can also find the video system and manipulate or delete footage to erase any evidence that would involve him in the misconduct. IP cameras are Internet-enabled to record and store cloud data. They digitise videos and enable users to view them in a browser using a Wi-Fi or hard-wired web connection. That means users can always access footage from anywhere without running out of storage space.

Undetected issues

Older video surveillance systems have no easy way to monitor camera health. Users may not even notice a connection issue or video-feed malfunction until an incident occurs and they try to access the footage. Digital security systems with IP cameras include health-monitoring capabilities that actively monitor the equipment's status to ensure that everything works properly. If a system goes offline or another issue arises, it will alert the user to remedy the problem as quickly as possible.

Zero Prevention Capacity

Businesses that employ CCTV and record-and-store cameras adhere to a reactive security model. After a crime has been committed, users analyse video footage to see what evidence they can gather. In other words, it does not affect preventing corruption in the first place.

A remote video-monitoring service combines artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital video-monitoring systems with trained security professionals to identify suspicious activity. This means that crime can be detected and stopped as it happens, making the security proactive, not reactive.

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