Gas stations in British Columbia (BC) play a vital role in everyday life, providing fuel, convenience items, and essential services. With many operating 24/7 and serving a wide variety of customers, ensuring the safety of employees, patrons, and property is a top priority. One of the most effective ways to meet this challenge is through the use of video surveillance systems.
Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits to implementing video surveillance in BC gas stations:

1. Deterring Criminal Activity
Visible surveillance cameras are a powerful deterrent against criminal behavior. When potential offenders know they are being monitored, the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or assault decreases significantly. This proactive measure creates a safer environment for both staff and customers. The addition of AI enabled systems is significantly enhancing this level of security, see how in the article "How is AI transforming gas station security?" by Jason Chiu of Axis Canada. 

2. Preventing Fuel Theft
Fuel theft, whether through drive-offs or siphoning, is a common concern for gas stations. Cameras positioned near pumps and exits can capture license plates and other identifying details, discouraging theft and helping identify offenders if incidents occur.

3. Enhancing Employee and Customer Safety
Many gas station employees work late at night or in isolated areas, making them vulnerable to robbery or assault. Surveillance systems provide continuous monitoring, enabling prompt responses to suspicious activity. Customers also feel more secure knowing safety measures are in place, which can increase loyalty and repeat visits.

4. Reducing False Liability Claims
Slip-and-fall incidents or transaction disputes can lead to fraudulent claims. Video footage provides objective evidence to verify the legitimacy of claims, helping protect your business from unnecessary legal and financial burdens.

5. Improving Operations and Preventing Loss
Modern surveillance systems often come with AI analytics that highlight operational inefficiencies and potential areas of loss. From monitoring fuel transactions to assessing employee-customer interactions, video data can guide training, improve customer service, and boost overall profitability.

6. Remote Monitoring and Real-Time Alerts
Advanced systems allow owners and managers to monitor operations remotely. Real-time alerts for unusual activity enable quick responses to threats, ensuring continuous safety even when you’re not on-site.

7. Compliance with Local Regulations
While BC regulations vary, implementing video surveillance aligns with best practices for risk management. It demonstrates a commitment to safety, security, and regulatory compliance—an important factor for any business.

In Conclusion, investing in video surveillance isn’t just about preventing crime—it’s about creating a safer, more efficient, and customer-friendly environment. For gas station operators across British Columbia, advanced surveillance technology offers peace of mind, improved operational insights, and long-term business sustainability.
 
Secure Your Gas Station Today
Protect your employees, customers, and assets with state-of-the-art video surveillance. Don’t wait for incidents to happen—invest in safety, prevent theft, and streamline operations now. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover the right surveillance solution for your BC gas station.

For years, black-and-white infrared (IR) cameras have been the standard for nighttime security. These cameras, or those capable of switching to black-and-white IR mode in low light, have been the go-to solution for homeowners, businesses, and security professionals seeking to capture clear footage in environments with minimal lighting. However, recent advancements in technology have introduced a revolutionary shift in surveillance systems: color night vision. This breakthrough technology allows users to capture critical visual details—such as the color of a vehicle or the clothing of an intruder—at any time of day or night, even in low-light or no-light conditions. But what exactly is color night vision, and is it essential for your security needs?

What is Color Night Vision?
Color night vision technology goes beyond the capabilities of traditional IR systems, which typically deliver high-quality black-and-white images. This advanced technology maintains vivid, high-quality color images in low-light conditions, enhancing video surveillance in ways that were previously unattainable.
Color night vision cameras are equipped with large aperture lenses and sophisticated sensors that can detect both visible light and infrared (IR) light. When ambient light levels are low, these sensors amplify the available light to provide clear footage. In complete darkness, the camera can activate supplemental lighting, such as a built-in spotlight, to ensure that night vision remains in full color.
It’s important to note that not all color night vision cameras are created equal. While many manufacturers claim to offer color night vision, some cameras only operate effectively in environments as dark as 0.004 LUX and may switch to black-and-white IR mode when light levels drop further. For true color night vision performance, a camera must utilize large aperture lenses and advanced CMOS sensors capable of functioning in environments as low as 0.0005 LUX. This ensures vibrant, high-quality color images, even in near-total darkness.

Do You Really Need Color Night Vision?
While traditional black-and-white IR cameras have been sufficient for many surveillance needs, color night vision offers distinct advantages that could significantly enhance the effectiveness of your security system. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Identification of People and Objects
   With color night vision, you'll capture full-color video even in near-total darkness. This makes it easier to identify crucial details, such as the color of a car or the clothing of an intruder—details that are often lost with conventional IR cameras.
2. Enhanced Deterrent Effect
   Many color night vision cameras are equipped with built-in spotlights or floodlights that activate upon detecting motion. These lights not only improve visibility but also serve as a deterrent to potential intruders, much like motion-activated outdoor lighting. The added visibility can make intruders think twice before approaching.

The below Images are from the same camera location taken before and after the upgrade to color night vision.  

​Upgrade Your Security Today with Color Night Vision
Don’t settle for grainy, black-and-white footage when the stakes are high. Color night vision technology empowers you to capture clearer, more detailed video—regardless of lighting conditions. Whether it’s identifying key details like the color of a car or observing the clothing of an intruder, color night vision provides a significant advantage in maintaining a secure environment.
Ready to elevate your security system? Invest in a color night vision camera today for enhanced protection, better identification, and an added layer of deterrence against unwanted activity. Contact us now to explore the best options for your home or business security needs.

​Ryan Bell 
Vice President of Technology