Warehouses are vulnerable targets, especially overnight and at weekends. Security is essential, but business owners often face a tough choice: monitored CCTV or security guards. Looking to learn about the cost of CCTV monitoring for warehousing operations? Let’s get started.
Key takeaways (TL;DR)
- Monitored CCTV for warehouses typically costs a fixed fee per camera per year
- Compared to the cost of guards, CCTV monitoring is more cost-effective and scalable
- It’s a solid security measure for cost-focused warehousing companies
- Lastly, it adds an added layer of security for companies who still want onsite guards
How much does CCTV monitoring for warehouses cost?
The cost of CCTV monitoring for warehouses is charged per camera per year, with annual rates up to £200 per device. This covers 24/7 surveillance by a professional monitoring station, response escalation, and reporting.
A typical warehouse might need between 8–12 cameras to ensure full coverage. That’s around £1,600 to £2,400 per year, for full peace of mind across entrances, loading bays, storage areas, and perimeters.
A site needing 50 cameras monitored would be up to £10,000.
Lastly, 100 cameras would be £20,000.
This fixed cost model makes budgeting simple, even across multiple sites.
- A fixed yearly fee per camera annually
- System installation costs – varied based on camera volumes
- Call-out fees for incidents requiring human presence
- Optional extras include audio speakers, analytics,
Now, let’s take a look at the cost of employing security guards.
How much does it cost to employ security guards?
Let’s run the numbers. Security guards earn around £20 per hour. If your warehouse requires two guards overnight, from 7pm to 7am, that’s 24 hours of staffing per night. At weekends, 48 hours need to be covered.
Here’s the rough weekly cost:
- Mon–Fri (2 guards × 12 hours × 5 days): £2,400
- Weekend (2 guards × 24 hours × 2 days): £1,920
- Total weekly cost: £4,320
- Annual estimate: £224,640
While guards offer boots on the ground, the costs are eye-watering, especially for growing or multi-site businesses.
A quick comparison
If we look at a monitored surveillance for a site with 50 external cameras vs the above costs for employing guards, it’s staggering.
The annual estimate for two guards covering the site 12 hours per day, and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday is £224,640.
As mentioned earlier, a site needing 50 cameras monitored would be up to £10,000. Lastly, 100 cameras would be £20,000.
That’s a saving of over £200,000 per year.
Therefore, it’s not really a question of how much does warehouse CCTV monitoring cost, it’s more about the cost savings vs employing guards.
What are the benefits of CCTV monitoring
Remote security camera monitoring doesn’t just cost less — it brings specific advantages that make it a smarter long-term choice. As you see in the examples below, the benefits of remote CCTV monitoring for warehouses are numerous.
These include:
- Significant cost savings vs employing guards
- Instant response to threats, with no time lost
- Audio warnings can deter intruders before they enter
- Escalation to police or keyholders happens in seconds
- Scales easily across multiple buildings or compounds
Warehouses with CCTV monitoring are covered every hour of every day, without the risks of human error, fatigue, or short staffing.
The benefits of employing guards
Guards still have a role to play, especially in environments where:
- Immediate intervention may be required
- There’s public access or a customer-facing setup
- Staff on site may wish to have a human presence
- On-site health and safety needs demand human supervision
As monitored CCTV for warehousing operations is so inexpensive, some companies choose to still have an albeit reduced presence of guards, alongside a camera monitoring system.
What’s the best security solution for your warehouse?
For many warehouse operators, a hybrid model works well, CCTV monitoring handles off-hours surveillance and real-time alerts, while guards can be brought in for specific risks or events.
But if budget, reliability, and coverage are your top priorities, monitored CCTV wins:
- Lower cost
- Consistent performance
- 24/7 protection
- Easy scaling
It’s a practical solution that gives business owners more control and fewer sleepless nights.
Summary: Is the cost of CCTV monitoring for warehouses worth paying?
At an affordable fixed fee per camera per year, CCTV monitoring delivers high-performance security without the massive overheads of manned guarding. For warehouses that need to stay protected after hours without draining their budgets, the numbers speak for themselves.
The above question is a bit loaded, of course.
Of course, it’s a cost worth paying, particularly when you will be saving so much by either reducing or eliminating the cost of employing guards.
Looking to reduce warehouse security costs without compromising safety?
Talk to us today about remote CCTV monitoring for your site, and protect what matters, day and night.
FAQs
Remote CCTV monitoring typically costs a fixed fee per camera per year. For most warehouses, this means a massive saving vs the cost of employing guards. In most cases, don’t focus on the costs, think about what you will save the company. Warehousing companies operate in highly competitive environments, and as a result, margins could be tight. Therefore, finding cost savings is key.
Is monitored CCTV cheaper than hiring guards?
Yes. Guarding a warehouse overnight with two staff members can cost over £200,000 a year. CCTV monitoring, by contrast, costs a fraction of that while delivering 24/7 protection, real-time alerts, and response escalation through a remote control centre. It’s a bit of a no-brainer.
What influences the cost of security monitoring for warehousing companies?
Pricing depends on the number of cameras, level of monitoring required, any additional systems (like loudspeakers), and the quality of the monitoring provider. Some sites also include alarm integration or analytics, which can affect the cost slightly.
Can I combine guards with monitored CCTV?
Absolutely. Many businesses use a hybrid approach, guards during high-risk hours, and CCTV monitoring overnight or across weekends. This setup delivers full coverage while managing costs more effectively and ensuring no time is left unprotected. Furthermore, some firms may like to have a guard on site to help night staff feel a little safer.