Camera security still popular

Barbadians are not allowing the current economic downturn to prevent them from protecting their properties by installing video surveillance systems.

Officials of one closed-circuit television (CCTV) security firm are reporting a growing interest among homeowners and business operators in acquiring security systems.

Managing Director of Security Cameras Barbados Terry Blades told Barbados TODAY that despite the COVID-19 pandemic having a severe impact on businesses and individuals they were still very much interested in providing a high level of security to their residences and places of operation.

“I can say there is a big demand right now. We do get a lot of requests right now for cameras. So there is definitely a big demand. It is on the rise,” said Blades.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we still get a lot of requests. Surprisingly, we have been getting a lot of enquiries,” he added.

On Wednesday, officials of the security firm hosted an official launch reception at the Town Square Mall in Speightstown where the company is now located.

Security Cameras Barbados started with a remote operation six months ago but moved to its current Speightstown spot about a month ago. The company is a branch of the UK-based CCTV Camera London and was formed through a partnership.

Managing Director of CCTV Camera London Eoin Clarke said having worked in the industry for the past decade in England and seeing the “power of what CCTV can do to help people”, he decided to bring the same concept to Barbados.

“What we try to do is prevent crime from happening, but if it does strike we are going to have identification images that are usable for the police to solve any crime,” said Clarke.

“I think people are being really resourceful with their money, but when it comes down to security, seeing something that is well presented and getting a great service and installation in one day, we are picking up business,” he reported.

Clarke told Barbados TODAY he expected more interest from the business sector, pointing out that when it came to the installation of security systems it was more “quiet” in Barbados than in England.

“Half of our clients so far have been individual Barbadians who just want peace of mind and security and the other half has been property managers and villa owners, most of those who want to have the quarantine protocols in place.”

The company currently offers two main types of cameras along with providing installation and monitoring. Individuals are also able to do their own monitoring through an application on their smartphone.

Clarke said the biggest challenge so far has been to get people to fully appreciate the importance of security.

Clarke said it was important to invest in a proper system that will not only bring results but last “a long time”.

Security Cameras Barbados currently employs four full-time employees and four on a part-time basis.

(marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb)