How Does CCTV Prevent Crime?
Types of Cameras would i need?
Is CCTV Cost-Effective?
How Does CCTV Prevent Crime?
A: Deterrence - potential burglars and thieves may see the camera and decide that a store in question is too much of a risk and therefore not a good target
B: Prosecution - thieves and shoplifters may be caught on camera and this can help catch and prosecute them
C: Fear reduction - if everyone knows that there is a camera, they may feel safer in or around your business, thus preventing potential criminals from attacking
D: Monitoring and intervention - if there is a security guard monitoring the area through CCTV system, he or she may act on any suspicious behaviour and thus prevent a crime from occurring. Security guards may also deploy employees to a suspicious spot or near a person detected on the monitors.
Back to Top
Types of Cameras would i need?
There are three main types of cameras.
1. Dome cameras - These are usually placed inside a dark dome, and can't be seen from outside, so the thief will not know whether the camera is pointing his way or not. These cameras may turn or may be fixed, but what is important is that when looking at it, no one can tell!
2. Wall cameras - These are big visible cameras. They may be simple, or have a lot of options, such as a waterproof or bullet-proof shell, infrared light, or zoom.
3. Hidden cameras - These small and covert cameras are hidden inside other objects and are not easily detectable
4. PTZ Cameras - These cameras are visible. They allow for auto tour of a Site / premises. Allow the user to follow and zoom in on a subject. Allow for clear images to be stored. Can be used remotely.
Back to Top
Is CCTV Cost-Effective?
Does CCTV really pay off?
It depends on the kind of problem you have and type of system you are thinking of installing.
CCTV has been reported to decrease the number of robberies or burglaries in cities, but there is not much evidence about other types of crimes. You have to think first whether your business is likely to be burglarized in the first place, and whether the cost of installing a complicated CCTV system is worth it.
Example:
You have problems with shoplifting, losing about €50 every day. This means €1,200 or so a month, or about €14,500 a year. This is a lot of money!
For a small shop a system may only cost € 3000 + Vat fitted.
Example:
You are afraid that your store may be burglarized, and you decide to get a CCTV system. You can not afford to purchase the camera with night vision (infra red) so you get a camera that works with low light levels, and you put some extra light on the front of your store. After a few months, your business does get burglarized, but the video gave no clues. The burglar made sure to break the lights because he was afraid of being seen, and the camera was useless.
So when investing in a system it always pays to have the right advice, and to pay the bit extra now, then finding out when it is too late. We here at A&C can supply advice to the client before hand.
Back to Top
|
