Business security has evolved massively over the years. Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems have become an integral component for safeguarding assets, employees, and premises, but the question often arises, ‘Should CCTV be actively monitored?’ In this article, we deep dive into CCTV monitoring, providing advice for businesses looking to up their site security.
- The Role of CCTV in Business Security
- What is CCTV Monitoring?
- The Pros of CCTV Monitoring
- The Cons of CCTV Monitoring
- Advice for Businesses
- CCTV Monitoring with RMS
The Role of CCTV in Business Security
CCTV systems are designed to deter potential threats, document incidents, and aid in the investigation of security breaches. When it comes to security, they serve as a proactive measure against theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. While the primary purpose of CCTV is to act as a deterrent, the decision to actively monitor the system introduces an additional layer of vigilance that could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
The necessity for this enhanced vigilance is underscored by the current climate of commercial risk in the UK. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that police-recorded shoplifting offences rose by 20% to reach their highest figure since current records began, while robbery of business property increased by 50% in the year ending March 2025. This surge in targeted business crime highlights why relying on passive, unmonitored footage for post-incident review is no longer adequate. Active monitoring transforms a CCTV system from a simple record-keeper into a dynamic, real-time defense mechanism. The right partner understands the full spectrum of risk, offering comprehensive security monitoring that is vital for modern operations. This dedication to proactive protection is central to our mission at RMS.
What is CCTV Monitoring?
CCTV monitoring is usually carried out by a third-party remote monitoring company. They will be specialists in the monitoring of key security systems and will have a dedicated alarm receiving centre (ARC) and team of highly trained monitoring operatives who will monitor a site’s CCTV for certain events, bespoke to the site. Whether that be for trespassing out of hours, a break-in or suspicious activity. If certain activity or an incident is detected, the monitoring operatives will provide a rapid response to the situation, such as notifying the site keyholder or actioning a police response.
In recent years, the effectiveness of remote CCTV monitoring has been dramatically improved by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced video analytics. These technologies allow the system to differentiate between genuine security threats and benign environmental events, significantly reducing the common industry problem of false alarms. This is a crucial function, as even in related safety areas, the burden of false alerts is significant; for example, data shows that fire false alarms due to apparatus reached their highest figure since 2011 in the year ending December 2024.
A sophisticated monitoring centre works diligently to filter these non-events, ensuring that when an alarm is raised, it warrants a dedicated response. To learn more about how we manage this, you can read our detailed post on how AI is reducing false alarms and operator fatigue in ARCs. This advanced, verified approach moves beyond simple surveillance and offers a comprehensive, highly reliable security solution.
The Pros of CCTV Monitoring
When determining whether CCTV should be monitored, businesses should consider the pros of CCTV monitoring.
Rapid Incident Response
Active monitoring allows businesses to respond promptly to unfolding situations, due to the rapid response of the monitoring operatives, such as initiating a police response or notifying the site keyholder. The business can therefore take immediate action in the event of a security breach, which can potentially prevent further damage or loss.
This speed is the difference between catching an incident on tape and actively stopping it. By linking the camera system directly to a professional ARC, trained operatives can verify an intrusion, trespass, or threat in real-time. Unlike unmonitored systems where footage is reviewed only after the fact, remote monitoring enables operators to take immediate, proactive measures, such as issuing live audio warnings to deter intruders or initiating a remote arm/disarm protocol for perimeter management. Furthermore, remote monitoring supports intruder monitoring systems, providing a visual confirmation layer to reduce false callouts and ensure police deployment is prioritised for verified threats.
Employee Productivity & Safety
Monitoring CCTV systems can enhance employee safety, security and productivity. Employees may experience a larger sense of safety in their workplace due to knowing there is 24/7 monitoring in place, therefore if an incident was to take place, it would be identified and addressed quickly. Employee crime is also likely to reduce if they know they are being monitored by an external remote monitoring company.
Beyond traditional security, the value of monitored CCTV extends into a business’s daily operations and compliance. For sites with remote staff or those operating out of hours, monitored systems can be adapted to provide lone worker support, ensuring that a professional team is standing by to respond to a panic alert or a non-response situation. This reinforces a proactive culture of safety, which is why we explain how monitoring services support your health and safety risk assessments in one of our expert guides. The presence of a monitored system is particularly important in environments like co-working and flexible office spaces, where security needs to be dynamic and non-intrusive, protecting both people and property simultaneously.
Enhanced Security
The knowledge that a site’s CCTV systems are actively monitored can act as a powerful deterrent and enhance overall site security. Potential criminals will be dissuaded from targeting the site and this reduces the likelihood of any security-related incidents.
The Cons of CCTV Monitoring
Looking at the cons of having your CCTV system monitored is also a good idea when deciding if it’s right for a business.
Privacy Concerns
Actively monitoring CCTV may raise privacy concerns among employees. Striking a balance between security and privacy is crucial, and businesses must establish clear guidelines on the permissible use of surveillance systems. A remote monitoring company that is NSI accredited will work to the latest and highest industry standards and make sure your CCTV monitoring activity is compliant. Compliance means adhering to strict UK data protection laws, ensuring that all video data is handled ethically and securely. We strongly recommend working with a provider that holds the highest accreditations, such as NSI Gold, which is why we’ve written a dedicated article explaining what NSI Gold means for your business from a security compliance standpoint.
Additional Cost
CCTV monitoring carried out by a third party remote monitoring company will be an additional cost for a business. However, many believe it is a worthwhile investment in providing an additional layer of security for a site that can work out more cost-effective long-term. For any business considering taking out a CCTV monitoring contract it is essential to weigh the benefits against the costs.
While an additional expenditure, it’s vital to view professional monitoring as an investment in risk mitigation, not just an overhead. A business must consider the full cost of a security breach—including stock loss, property damage, operational downtime, and the potential impact on insurance premiums. Economic crime is estimated to cost UK businesses billions annually.
The Economic Crime Survey, 2024, conducted by the UK Government, showed that businesses who experienced fraud or theft incurred mean costs of £2,090 in a 12-month period, demonstrating that losses from unmonitored sites can quickly surpass the cost of preventative measures. Many UK insurers recognise the benefit of professional, accredited monitoring systems, which can often lead to reduced premiums for comprehensive coverage. For businesses reviewing their total cost of ownership, consulting our guide on understanding your insurance and how remote monitoring impacts premiums can provide clarity on the financial value.
Advice for Businesses
The decision to actively monitor CCTV systems depends on various factors, which will vary business to business, including the size of the business, available resources, and specific security concerns. When making the decision, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of remote CCTV monitoring. Ultimately, a well-implemented CCTV system, whether actively monitored or not, contributes significantly to the overall security of a business. However, if your business has the additional funds, wants to improve their overall site security and have total peace of mind that it is being monitored at all times, then CCTV monitoring would most definitely be the right decision.
To ensure the highest return on investment, businesses should seek a provider that offers bespoke solutions. This tailored approach means that remote CCTV monitoring is not a one-size-fits-all product. For a multi-site retail operation, monitoring might focus on deterring shoplifting and managing stock access, while for a commercial office block or residential complex, the priority might be secure remote site access and virtual concierge services. The key to successful implementation is working with an NSI Gold accredited partner, which guarantees adherence to the latest industry standards and compliance protocols.
CCTV Monitoring with RMS
By choosing a partner like us, you gain a dedicated team who is invested in your safety, providing peace of mind knowing that your assets and people are protected 24/7. To learn more about our operational ethos and commitment to service, please explore who we are.
If you want to find out more about CCTV remote monitoring, have any questions or want a free quote, get in touch with the RMS team today.
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