The losses from theft and vandalism suffered by the British construction industry have been estimated at around £400 million a year - over £1 million every day. Visible surveillance has the capacity to drastically cut this figure, both through the presence of a disincentive for would-be criminals and by creating evidence to be used in prosecutions. Similar effects can be achieved in other industries: by installing CCTV in warehouse storerooms and manufacturing sites, for example. Access controls on a compound containing expensive equipment can mean massive savings on ‘plant' costs: it is for this reason that the vast majority of UK building sites now make use of this technology, compared with just 26% in 1999 (source: UK Home Office). In chemical plants, sensitive or hazardous areas are also protected in this manner. In secondary sector production, studies have shown that surveillance also acts as a motivator to a company's labour force: knowing that they are constantly being observed, employees will be encouraged to work more diligently and honestly. CCTV footage can also be used to ascertain workers' compliance with health and safety regulations. It has been used in liability compensation hearings both for this reason and to expose false injury claims. |