Cash is a natural attractor of crime. This article explains why video security with 24×7, 360° visibility plus the AI-powered analytics of the cloud-based Arcules Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) platform is the best choice for financial institutions seeking to enhance the protection their employees, customers, and ATMs.
Recognize the Threats
Thieves follow the cash money trail. As we transition into a cashless society, people are carrying less cash, some none at all. So, the criminals are moving closer to the source: in and around bank branches, credit unions, and ATMs. The vast majority of robberies today are committed at the tellers’ window with the thief discreetly passing a written note or making a verbal demand for cash. Other, more obvious crimes include:
- Robbing a customer in the parking lot after a cash withdrawal, either from a teller transaction or waiting outside ATM lobbies
- Forcing a customer to make a cash withdrawal from an ATM under threat of violence
- Robbing retail business owners making a cash deposit in an after-hours drop box
- Attempts to steal cash from the ATM, and sometimes hauling away the ATM itself
- Armored car holdups
Strengthen your video security with 24x7 visibility and AI video analytics
It’s no longer sufficient to point cameras at the ATM lobby and teller windows with a sign stating the premises is under surveillance. Financial institutions need to invest in modern video technology that not only records crimes for evidence, but proactively detects threats and suspicious activities, speeds response, and identifies perpetrators so security personnel can prevent or minimize the impact of an event.
An effective integrated surveillance solution for banks and credit unions will deliver:
- Continuous Coverage – see everything, everywhere, all the time
- Full visibility. Install a sufficient number of high-resolution smart IP cameras with 360° visibility and pan/tilt/zoom capabilities throughout the interior premises, trained on entrances and ATMs, and in exterior parking areas to eliminate any blind spots.
- 24×7 surveillance. The cameras should have infra-red (IR) night vision and/or thermal detection to allow them to capture clear images in dark lighting or poor weather conditions.
- Motion activated. IP cameras only send footage to the video management system (VMS) when activity is detected, minimizing data storage requirements and the need to search through thousands of hours of recorded footage.
- Remote monitoring. Allow security staff to see all activities captured by all cameras in real time – even across multiple locations – from a centralized video monitoring dashboard for fast response.
- Versatility. Wireless cameras with a cloud-based infrastructure allow for easy moves, additions, and changes. Make sure the cameras you choose are Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)-compatible for interoperability with a VSaaS platform.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness – leverage AI to respond to real dangers
- Threat detection. AI-powered analytics proactively detects threats and initiates an informed response quickly. Reduce false alarms by intelligently discerning innocent actions caused by weather or moving objects from suspicious activities.
- Suspect identification. Enter search parameters find a moment in time, a person of interest, or an object matching a description in seconds.
- Instant alerts. Security alerts are triggered immediately when the system detects a camera has been moved, damaged, or its view becomes obstructed.
- System integration. Your video surveillance solution should integrate seamlessly with other security measures such as physical access control systems, emergency lighting, fire suppression, alarm systems, and 911 response.
Choose the Arcules VSaaS Platform to Safeguard your Financial Institution
We can state with confidence that virtually every financial institution has some form of video surveillance system already in place. We’re equally sure that you don’t want to waste that investment and start from scratch. The question is, how can you maximize its value and performance?
The Arcules VSaaS platform is an open, cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with all your security functions. Unlike some competitors that require a major upfront investment to install proprietary hardware, Arcules saves time and money by using your existing video cameras and network infrastructure. You’re only changing where the data is stored, processed and accessed – the cloud. Arcules is:
- Versatile. Arcules supports over 6,000 types of ONVIF-compliant cameras, access control systems, and environmental sensors, eliminating switching costs and ensuring a smooth transition to the cloud.
- Accessible. Cloud-based video surveillance is accessible from anywhere. A centralized web interface provides remote access to any connected security camera, from any internet-enabled computer or mobile device, at any time. Display up to four security cameras at once for a comprehensive view.
- Cost effective. Arcules’ cloud-based storage removes the need and cost for expensive on-premises digital video recorders and monitors, storage media, and hardwired cameras. Add cameras and storage capacity as needed and access advanced video analytics for new insights through an affordable subscription model.
- Easy to install. Arcules deploys in minutes and is infinitely scalable. The system can be expanded at any time across multiple sites without the difficulties and expenses of adding hardwired connections.
- Smart. Arcules offers a wide range of AI-powered tools for advanced analytics, real-time threat detection, and forensic video search capabilities to quickly gather evidence.
- Secure. Arcules stores and backs up all recorded video footage in the cloud on its secure servers for permanent storage and easy recall.
Bank branches and credit unions need an extra level of protection against physical threats. The Arcules VSaaS platform provides the continuous coverage, enhanced awareness, and intelligence to proactively protect your customers, staff, and ATMs. Click here to learn more and schedule a no-obligation consultation.