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Museums
Monitoring activity
in museums, where extremely valuable collections are often stored and displayed,
is a necessary undertaking. High-priced works of art are prime targets for theft.
The proper video surveillance system can go a long way in protecting a museum's
collections from acts of thievery and vandalism.
Benefits of Museum
Surveillance Equipment
- Easy
installation – IP (Internet Protocol) surveillance technology offers
easy-to-install systems with outstanding flexibility. Cameras can be positioned
throughout the museum, communicating through an IP network with no need for
complicated wiring setups.
- Remote
access – An NVR (network video recorder) allows for remote viewing
over the Internet. Security workers can monitor surveillance footage and even
control security cameras from any computer with Internet access.
- Prevent
theft – Security cameras can tightly monitor display areas, storage
rooms, and other locations throughout a museum, watching for suspicious activity
and potential theft.
- Watch
for employee theft – The threat of employee theft exists. Video surveillance
keeps a close watch on all areas of a museum, and can deter employees from
turning to the dark side.
- Prevent
vandalism – Unfortunately, defacement of art can be a problem in
a museum, where pieces are displayed right within the public's reach. Security
cameras can deter such acts of vandalism and enable workers to spot potential
threats.
Risks of Exhibition
Security Cameras
- Privacy
– It's beneficial to mount security cameras in wide array of location throughout
a museum, however private areas such as bathrooms are considered by most to
be off limits when it comes to video surveillance.
- Vandalism
and damage – Cameras mounted in public places could suffer potential
damage from tampering. Backup security measures should be in place in case
a camera signal is lost.
Configuration
Questions for Gallery CCTV
A museum's contents
hold more than just substantial monetary value. One-of-a-kind works of art are
irreplaceable, and their protection is of the utmost importance. Consider the
following factors when determining the proper video surveillance setup for your
museum:
- What are the
museum's largest security threats?
- Is the facility
well-staffed with security workers?
- What type of
existing security setup does the museum have in place?
- How are collections
displayed in the facility?
- Are there storage
rooms containing collections not on display?
- Do you staff
security at all entrances and exits?
- Is there a
history of theft at the museum?
- Have there
been instances of vandalism?
- Is employee
theft a strong concern?
- What areas
of the museum are most susceptible to theft and vandalism?
- What is the
value of the collections on display?
- What areas
of the museum hold its most valuable pieces?
How to Set Up
Art Show Surveillance
- Position cameras
at entrances and exits to monitor those entering and leaving the museum, gallery
or exhibition hall.
- Mount cameras
to provide full views of all rooms containing collections.
- Pay special
attention to areas containing highly valuable works.
- Have proper
surveillance for storage areas containing additional items and collections.
- Monitor load-in/load-out
areas.
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