Video Surveillance on Rural Properties
Many people add a security system to their main residence, but don’t always think about the need for their rural property or ranch. Especially if the property is unoccupied for days or even weeks at a time, security is essential.
An Ounce of Prevention
Of course, the single most common reason to invest in a security system is to protect against burglary or vandalism. Burglary doesn’t just happen in the city; it can happen in rural areas as well.
Installing a video surveillance system combined with motion sensor alarm and access control systems can deter criminals. If something does happen, the perpetrators are often caught on video, increasing the likelihood of apprehending them.
Watch for Squatters
Land with a lot of acreage or heavily covered with trees may be inviting for transient people. Assuming they will not be easily seen, they set up in the house or other buildings. If you don’t visit the rural property often and don’t have regular staff checking in, the place becomes even more desirable to these squatters.
Keep buildings locked and the house armed with a security system. You can also require telephone entry or card readers to get on to the property. This only stops those coming in through the main entrances though. Video cameras can help you keep an eye for anyone jumping fences. Of course, the bigger your property, the bigger the challenge. A regular human presence is the best deterrent for squatting. If you cannot be there regularly, consider hiring a property manager or other worker to stop in regularly.
Keep Track of Livestock
If you raise any type of livestock, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your animals. You want to ensure they aren’t being targeted by predators or thieves. And you want to be alerted to anyone coming on your property who might harm or take them. Gate access control can notify you of anyone attempting entry. A video surveillance system enables you to pull up a live stream of the property as well as view saved history.
Monitor Weather
A lesser-known use for video surveillance systems on ranches is to monitor the weather. You might be hundreds of miles away and receive news that a bad storm is heading toward your rural property. Using a video surveillance system, you can watch your property during damaging weather events. If you see damage has occurred, you can get someone working on repairs right away.
Monitor Employees
A video surveillance system can also monitor the activities of your employees. Primarily, you can confirm they are following procedures for the care of your animals and property. In addition, video surveillance can capture events such as burglary, harassment or workplace accidents. Having a “witness” watching 24/7 can be enough to deter employees from stealing, inciting violence or filing false injury claims.
Protect Water Supply
Ask any seasoned rancher and he or she will likely agree: a water supply is critical to the normal everyday operations of a typical ranch. Without water, you won’t be able to sustain crops or get water to your livestock, resulting in huge losses for the ranch. The good news is that video surveillance systems can help ranchers protect their water supplies from disaster and theft — it’s not uncommon for thieves to target expensive sprinkler systems for their copper or other metals.
Cultris Security Systems specializes in protecting rural properties. Contact us to learn more about how to keep your rural property and assets safe! Call 281-506-8466 or visit us online!
