Does An Onsite or Virtual Security Guard Offer Better Protection?
Managing Construction Theft with 24/7 Monitoring
In March 2025, police departments recovered over $150,000 in stolen construction equipment from a home in Dallas, TX. The search was part of a major burglary case involving theft at commercial construction sites. Unfortunately, these thefts are nothing new but a growing concern for those in the industry.
To combat this criminal activity that can result in significant loss, construction companies turn to security guards to keep an eye on their property after everyone leaves. But is this the best approach? Could a virtual security guard provide a better, less costly answer?
Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this hot-topic debate.
SEE ALSO: Why Every Commercial Property Needs Thermal Infrared Imagery
A Typical Construction Site
Commercial construction sites often range from 10,000 square feet to up to 100,000 square feet or more. That’s a significant amount of space to watch over and protect. Can one security guard cover the entire space? The chances are slim.
A virtual security guard watches your site via high-performance security cameras, allowing them a bird's-eye view from anywhere. Pan-tilt-zoom capabilities let them focus on a security threat, determine the cause, and take action.
Security Cameras Vs. the Human Eye
Does the human eye have infrared technology and a high-definition lens? No. Using HD cameras with thermal imaging allows our virtual security guards to see into the darkest corners, whether day or night, no matter the weather. Is the perpetrator wearing camouflage? That’s no match for Cameras Onsite AI-powered video surveillance that detects movement and can tell the difference between animals, people, equipment, and vehicles.
Lights and Two-Way Audio
An on-site security guard puts themselves in harm's way when confronting a potential intruder. Virtual security guards immediately contact law enforcement and address the perpetrator through two-way audio. Light deterrence systems let them illuminate the area in a floodlight, which, in many cases, is enough to scare the person off.
Always On
Our virtual security guards keep an eye on your property 24/7, including weekends and holidays. As a 100% US-based monitoring team, you can count on them to be there for you when you need them and take the appropriate action when warranted.
The Appearance of Your Virtual Guard
Your virtual guard is a mobile CCTV solution with advanced AI and patented audio and light deterrence. You and the monitoring team receive an immediate alert when human motion or a security incident is detected. By checking in through the live security camera feed, we can determine the steps that need to be taken.
You can also see exactly what’s transpiring and alert our team if it’s a false alarm. Was a friend pulling a prank on you? Probably not a good idea, but it's best not to notify the police.
These highly mobile systems enable us to install them in out-of-the-way places. In addition to construction sites, we monitor almost every other industry, putting the mobile units in place when needed and then taking them down when you’re through. We’ve been doing it for over 20 years, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.
To learn more about the benefits of virtual security guards or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Cameras Onsite today.