Video Surveillance Systems (or CCTV)

CCTV stands for miniature Closed Circuit Television. Generally we hear this term associated with crime shows or news stories that have captured criminal activity in public areas, often giving identities to criminals who would have otherwise escaped without consequence. CCTV cameras are also widely available for the home, allowing you to protect your property whether you are home or away. With the advancement of technology, they are now surprisingly simple to use, easy to install, and have a number of options available in the way they are monitored so you do not have to fill your home with clunky television screens.

The cameras can be mounted on house walls or lighting columns to monitor specific vulnerable areas, including the back garden, side access, shed, garage, and approach to the front door. Not only do cameras act as a visual deterrent for intruders, but also they allow you to see visitors approaching the property. CCTV also can play an invaluable role in lessening occasions of vandalism and general mischief in your neighborhood.

A domestic CCTV system usually comprises one or two weatherproof cameras, an adaptor, and a television monitor. The cameras can be connected to a video recorder and television. This allows you to view your garden from your armchair at the touch of a button.

Cameras can be movement activated so that they automatically change the TV channel to show the camera picture when movement is detected. Similarly, if the cameras are linked to your home video recorder, it will automatically record the images produced. The more adventurous can even link a camera system to a home computer, enabling you to fully automate recordings.

Such systems are particularly good for the elderly and disabled, who need to be able to see and recognize callers at the front door. In addition, a CCTV camera will allow you to keep an eye on your children while getting on with other tasks.

If CCTV cameras are to be effective, you must provide a good level of light in the garden at night. Also, cameras must not look beyond the boundary of your property. You should discuss with your security provider the limits within which you can use your CCTV system on a domestic property without breaking any laws protecting people’s privacy.