Digital Video Surveillance allows your business to reduce losses from theft and vandalism and at the same time increase productivity and safety.

What is Reed digital Video Surveillance?

• A video surveillance system allows you to view and record designated areas of your building.
• The simplest form of closed-circuit television (CCTV) system is a single camera wired to a monitor. As more cameras are added, a medium is required to allow for multiple camera shots to be viewed on the monitor.
• You can choose from either alternating camera shots or have all the cameras on the screen at the same time.
• If you would like to record events, a recording medium must be added such as a time lapse VCR or digital video recorder.
• Digital Video Surveillance is computerized recording with a DVR (digital video recorder).

Benefits of Digital Recording:

• Crystal clear audio and video quality with no distortion
• Record all cameras at the same time, replaces old style multiplexers
• Instant image retrieval with the SEARCH feature by event or date and time
• Long recording times – more than 30+ days with the proper hard drive configuration
• No VCR tapes to change
• Motion recording – reduces PLAYBACK times
• Internet Software – remote viewing, listening, playback, configuration changes, printing, and archiving

Visit our Digital Video Recorders section to view models and to find out the difference between a basic DVR and advanced Digital Video Management systems.

Six Questions To Determine Your Set-up:

1. What would you like to accomplish?
2. Which areas would you like coverage?
3. How many cameras are required?
4. What type of cameras and lenses are required? Black/white or color, interior or exterior, etc.?
5. Would you like to observe events locally or remotely via an internet connection?
6. Do you need a basic DVR or a Digital Video management system?

Methods of Employee Theft

These are real life examples provided by actual Reed Security clients. In all cases, we were able to reduce losses with awareness and advanced Digital Video Management.

• Sometimes employees only take a few items, like office supplies, or they use company equipment, like cars or copying machines for personal use.
• A bartender brings his own bottle of booze to serve patrons instead of the bottle supplied by the bar.
• All cash goes directly to the bartender.
• Wonder why you're missing food? Employees help themselves or give it to their friends when you're not around.
• Cashiers may use “short ring ups” - ringing up a lower price on the sales register to cover money they’ve taken from the till.
• Or they may over-charge customers and pocket the difference or undercharge other employees and friends.
• Sweethearting...a cashier's spouse or friend gets charged below cost amounts or nothing at all.
• A cashier in a grocery store “accidentally” damages boxes and cans often so she can buy them at reduced prices.
• A cook prepares the wrong order or too many items for the restaurant to sell. What should we do with the left-overs? "It would be a waste to throw it out."

Shoplifting 101

These are real life examples provided by actual Reed Security clients. In all cases, we were able to reduce losses with awareness and advanced Digital Video Management.

Shoplifters use the following to conceal items:

• Bulky clothing: coats, pants and maternity outfits.
• Packages, bags, backpacks and purses are hiding places, and sometimes they may have false bottoms.
• Special props include hollowed-out books, fake casts, umbrellas, secret pockets, belts or hooks under coats.
• Folded newspapers or magazines are used to hide small or flat items.

How to Spot Shoplifting:

• Be aware of customers' hands - and their pockets, purses, handkerchiefs.
• Notice open packages, purses, shopping bags, backpacks.
• Watch for customers who are nervous, have wandering eyes, are loitering or lingering in hidden areas.
• Watch groups of people, especially if a person tries to distract you.

Audio & Video Recording, Is It Legal?

• The legalities of audio and video recording varies by Province. The Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner publishes a guideline for video surveillance for Public offices, however there are no published guidelines for private businesses.
• Reed Security uses professional judgement when installing digital video surveillance.
• Reed Security posts visible signage so that employees, customers, and visitors are well aware you have digital video surveillance.
• Reed Security recommends all existing staff be briefed verbally and in writing. We will not under any circumstance install cameras in questionable areas such as washrooms or change-rooms.
• Audio recording is legal in Saskatchewan and the Police will use the audio recording to help prosecute criminals.

Upgrading An Existing CCTV System

• Many new digital video system installations are a modernization of an existing obsolete surveillance system.
• Often we can minimize your investment by using your existing cameras and upgrading your old VCR and monitor with a modern DVR and display.
• We have upgraded numerous entry-level COSTCO and Radio Shack systems. Unfortunately with these systems, they break down easily and replacement parts are hard to find and the manufacturer will not repair.