Keeping an eye : Security cameras in high demand in capital

Businesses use these cameras to start monitoring premises remotely, operate past lockdown

ISLAMABAD: With the government restricting operational hours for many businesses and regular working conditions no longer applicable due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, many business owners have started installing additional security cameras to remotely monitor their property.

As a result, a spike has been observed in the sale of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Some business owners close the entrance at the front of their establishments and return home once the lockdown kicks in. However, they leave behind a few employees inside the seemingly closed shops and warehouses.

Security cameras to help enforce SOPs

Besides the obvious security benefits, the security cameras help them to keep an eye on the activities in their establishment despite their absence and provide directions where necessary.

Some business owners have even connected these cameras to the internet and can access a live stream from their establishments either on their mobile phones or their computers.

Naveed Malik, a renowned Islamabad-based businessman, noted that cameras are imperative for a businessman ain the prevailing situation.

He added that people, particularly businessmen, need to keep up with the advancements in technology to easily monitor inventories worth millions while sitting at home.

“People invest heavily in their businesses but refrain from spending some money on securing them,” he said, adding that footage from the cameras can help trace culprits, especially during crimes such as a robbery.

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industrial (ICCI) Former President Amir Waheed said that the pandemic virus had destroyed businesses and industries.

Regarding the rise in the use of CCTV cameras, he said that they were imperative for maintaining security.

“The police conduct a flag march once and consider it to be enough for maintaining law and order,” he said, demanding that the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) district administration enhance patrolling to give a sense of security and protection to businesspeople of the federal capital.

Tariq Chaudhry, a vendor of security cameras, said that he has been associated with the business for the past 15 years.

Security cam: CCTV cameras installed at CDA headquarters

He added that one reason for the increased sale of the security devices was that high-quality cameras are now being imported from China which is far cheaper than the options which used to be imported from western countries such as France and Italy.

Talking about functionality and cost, Chaudhry explained that a single digital video recorder (DVR) can be linked with up to 50 cameras. Moreover, they can be connected to the internet to allow remote monitoring. On the prices of these items, the vendor said that cameras can cost from Rs2,000 up to Rs15,000. Similarly, DVRs start from Rs10,000 and can go up to Rs100,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2020.