By Briana Hilton, Contributor
At least 10,490 violent crimes were committed in U.S. restaurants in 2020, effectively making the industry the eight-most likely place for Americans to be attacked, according to data released by the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI).
The findings further revealed that 5,642 of the 675,517 violent attacks were robberies. While proper locks and a camera system are standard for establishments across the board, boosting security efforts doesn’t have to equate to an impossible endeavor.
For restaurant owners aiming to update their security measures, technology plays a key role — from the value of integrated systems to innovative technology that can help transform CCTV efforts.
The Power of Integrated Systems
Most restaurant security professionals recommend two technologies to help protect both assets and profits, according to a Business article. These include an advanced point-of-sale (POS) system, as well as a security camera system.
“If you can afford it, a POS system that integrates with your camera system is ideal,” the article reads. These integrated systems can enable a POS program to link transaction times with video recording times, which can include theft-detection technologies. This can not only become more convenient in the event of an investigation into a crime, but it can save time while enabling restaurateurs to pinpoint suspicious activity.
It’s important to consider modern advancements that other restaurants have taken on in order to amp up security within establishments. For example, WKS Restaurant Group (a fast growing multi-brand restaurant franchisee in the United States), has selected Interface Security Systems in order to implement video verified intrusion alarm monitoring, according to one 2021 Retail Dive post. The implementation aims to eliminate false alarm costs, as well as enhance efficiency in over 380 restaurants. According to Retail Dive, WKS was incurring around $165,000 worth of false alarm costs.
Elevating Camera Setups
Security camera systems are a great line of defense when aiming to protect your restaurant, working to record any criminals in the act as well as deter those looking to carry out a crime at your establishment.
While a basic camera system is better than nothing at all, camera systems that utilize advanced technology can be a great idea. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) via AI-powered CCTV cameras can take restaurant security to the next level. According to USA Wire, these have a number of benefits, including continuous monitoring (without the risks of human errors), instant analysis and alerts to security threats, and advanced intrusion detection.
AI-powered security systems also have the potential to utilize facial recognition software, and even automatic number plate recognition. These cameras ultimately take security to the next level, providing accurate and efficient video surveillance in the event of an investigation.
While upgraded and advanced technology can transform security camera systems, it’s imperative to note that other basic security factors, such as good lighting and quality locks on the door, can further minimize the chances of burglary.
It’s worth mentioning that AI-powered cameras can prove to be especially useful for restaurants that also sell merchandise. Retailers are already employing the technology to combat retail theft, with the software working to identify suspicious activity from shoppers.
One example of this can be found via the AI software developed by French company Veesion, which actively looks for suspicious activity from shoppers while recording real-time video, highlights NBC4 Washington. In a demonstration of the technology, an alert via message (along with a video clip) was sent less than 30 seconds after the “thief” snatched a bottle of wine and tucked it into his coat.
The Value of Access Control Panels and Keycards
Regulating access to sensitive areas of the restaurant, such as inventory rooms or cash handling areas, can further work to minimize the chances of theft and other illegal activities while also preventing unauthorized access to such areas.
Access control systems can function as a system that grants access via designated cards, enabling owners to provide authorized employees with one of their own. The CR80 card is just one major consideration due to their application as employee ID cards, especially with the addition of a magnetic stripe that enables the card to transform into one that can be used with access control systems.
The CR80 card is ideal thanks to numerous advantages — in addition to serving as a universally recognized standard ID card size at 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches -- these cards offer a number of other benefits. This includes their universal fit and familiar feel. This type of card is also cost efficient for those in the restaurant industry who may need to order several.
Taking the right precautions when it comes to restaurant security is imperative. Through the use of innovative technology such as access control panels, AI-powered cameras, and integrated systems, restaurant owners can provide a secure business environment while gaining peace of mind that the establishment is protected as much as possible.
