- Experience of crime and government cuts spark sea change in attitudes
- Surveillance vendor brings forward growth plans”
A new report, commissioned by CCTV and surveillance vendor Storage Options[1], has revealed a seismic shift in attitudes towards the use of surveillance equipment in the workplace as experiences of high crime, the recent riots, and the impact of Government funding cuts strike home.
The study questioned hundreds of business owners across the country into safety and security in the workplace, and despite the UK’s perceived ‘Big Brother’ surveillance culture, it seems that attitudes towards CCTV is moving towards acceptance and a common sense narrative – a trend matched by ever-increasing demand for Storage Options’ services.
Alarmingly, 44% of businesses questioned in the study admitted to being the victim of crime before, with more than a third – 36% – having been targeted more than four times. The top items stolen from the workplace emerged as computers (13%) stock or products (12%) or mobile phones (6%).
When asked what would help their staff feel safer, more than a third (36%) said a security guard, followed by CCTV (27%), coming above alarm systems (21%). And despite the majority of businesses – 65% – now having some form of CCTV system in place, almost half (45%) admitted wanting MORE security around their premises, with two fifths (40%) feeling their security set up was insufficient.
The study also revealed concerns over government spending cuts, with more than half (55%) of businesses admitting this made them feel more of a security risk, and 37% feeling this could compromise the police’s ability to do their job properly. Worryingly, the majority of people questioned – 65% – claimed they would consider some form of direct action if their business was broken into.
Paul Evison, marketing manager for Storage Options commented: “The last few years have seen a public debate around CCTV as an intrusion on civil liberties, and while in some extreme instances this could be the case, it is refreshing to see the emergence of a common sense debate. It seems that a combination of factors – from the key role CCTV played in identifying and prosecuting suspects during the UK riots, to first-hand experience of crime and public spending cuts – has caused this big shift.
“Since we entered the CCTV market in May this year, we’ve seen our growth expectations exceeded, and we’ve even brought forward plans to expand our range to capitalise on demand, as more and more businesses seem to be recognising the importance of keeping their staff safe and fostering a positive work environment. While vigilante style action may seem appealing at the time, it is definitely not the right approach. We would always recommend that business owners leave any genuine security problems to the experts or the local authorities.”
[1]The survey of 1,000 business owners was commissioned by Storage Options in August 2011.
Storage Options offers a wide range of surveillance technology products for home and business use. With an aim of making the installation of surveillance equipment as simple as possible, all products are supplied with a clearly-written and annotated manual and backed by a local-rate technical support phone line serviced by experts based in the UK. For more details visit: http://www.storageoptions.com.
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About Storage Options
Storage Options is a UK-based technology brand created with a vision of offering great value, high-performance products without compromising on quality or service.
Since Storage Options arrived in the UK in 2010, the brand has gone from strength to strength successfully growing its customer base and expanding its product portfolio into many new areas. The brand’s aim is to deliver great products that meet expectations, offer exceptional value for money and provide the good service and support expected by UK customers.
Further information is available on their website http://www.storageoptions.com or you can follow Storage Options on Twitter and Facebook.
About CCI Distribution
CCI Distribution is a leading independent distributor of computer storage and peripherals to the consumer and business technology markets. It specialises in bringing the world’s leading technology brands to the UK reseller market and is committed to helping vendors grow their brand awareness and reputation within the UK.
Headquartered in Harrogate, CCI has achieved significant growth since its formation in 1997. The company has been built on its impressive customer service record and ability to quickly embrace and adapt to changing market conditions, such as the rise of eCommerce and online trading.
CCI now offers more than 1,500 products from global manufacturers such as LG, Sony and Toshiba, while its customer portfolio includes leading retailers such as Amazon, Ebuyer and Maplins, as well as key B2B integrators and resellers including Dabs, Insight, Misco and Equanet.
Further information and news about CCI is available on their website: http://www.ccidistribution.co.uk/. You can also follow CCI on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn.
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