Lighting plays a vital part in the security of all commercial buildings so we've put together a few useful tips to help you maximise the effects of your security measures using lighting. Ask us for help when you're next looking at lighting in relation to workplace security.
SUPPORTING CCTV
Assuming your cameras are a reasonable quality, the main reason for poor images is nearly always the amount of light that is available. A good rule of thumb is to opt for 4 times as much lighting as you would usually use - that's more lights and much brighter lights. Test it out on images you capture and see if you need to keep adding additional light. Really there is little point in CCTV if the lighting isn't up to the job. Cool white LED lighting with a CRI of over 80 is a good base level to go for.
Position the light behind the camera in the same direction it is facing. To capture identifiable faces on CCTV, position lighting between 1.5m and 2m so shadows are less likely to obscure features. More than one camera at this height will help to render the faces on the camera, providing a more 3 dimensional output.
And don't forget that if your lights are down, emergency lighting won't be enough so you should have a Plan B if this level of security is important to you.
USING LIGHT AS A DETERRENT
By installing external lights there is a chance that a would-be criminal might be put off by the chance that they could be seen. However, security lighting in conjunction with CCTV and other measures are by far more effective. According to thecrimepreventionwebsite.com "external lighting may help us is if the presence of the light convinces the criminal that what he is about to do will be seen by you or your neighbours or maybe a CCTV camera" so it's clear that the lighting needs to be fairly powerful - and a combined solution with CCTV ideally.
LIGHT INSIDE THE BUILDING
Rather more simply, a burglar is more likely to be put off any criminal act simply by thinking that the building is occupied - and all you need for that is to put some ordinary internal lights on a timer!
Lighting isn't the most effective way to deter burglars but it does give us some level of control in terms of lighting areas so we can see what is happening - at entry points and gateways for example.
MOTION DETECTING LIGHTS
If you have any kind of patrol or guards at your premises, it is well worth installing motion detection lights for obvious reasons. And while you may think that they'll detect every passing fox, they can be set up to be more discerning in their responses. You can also use these inside and outside your premises with an automatic alert so you can be aware of any unexpected movements.
Lighting is obviously a key part of your security armoury. Do ask us how we can help if you are looking for solutions for your organisation.