Correctly used camera monitoring can deter criminal activity and enhance the safety of the public but just as any method it is not a miracle cure that works everywhere and all the time

In many countries these days CCTV monitoring is used more and more to deter criminal activity as well as nuisance disturbances of neighbours and neighbourhoods. The reason for this is mainly because there is a bigger demand for safety and security monitoring but also the advancement in technology has enabled people and communities to use CCTV as a safety measure.

But before you implement a security system with CCTV cameras there are many aspects you need to take into consideration, on one hand you have the expectation that the CCTV system will increase the safety and minimise crime, but on the other hand some people argue that the use of CCTV system are intruding on people's privacy and private lives. To minimise the risk of purchasing a system that is not suitable, it is imperative to learn about the CCTV systems functions.

The effect of a CCTV System can have is that amongst other things criminal activity can be stopped due to the criminal noticing the CCTV system but also the crimes that have been committed can be investigated and hopefully a rightful conviction can follow. What many newspapers, journalists and 'people in the know' are talking about the most is the way it makes people feel safer and the fact that it can deter crime. The scientific aspect of the arguments are that the CCTV system can deter criminals in action and in some cases it can make people feel safer. But as many other methods in life this is not one that will work all the time and not every where. It can stop some criminals, but all and it can make some people feel safer, but again not all.

You can never say that installing a CCTV System will keep you and your property safe, however there are measures you can take to minimise the crime you are likely to be effected by.

You should analyse the situation and issues you are experiencing, prior to having any system installed, ensure your reason for having a system installed is reasonable, affordable and will make a difference to you. You need to think about not only where to place the camera(s) but also what would you need the camera for and what would you do with the footage should you have such a system installed.

If your home or business is located in a high crime area, then you most likely will have a higher 'return' of having your system installed, ie. you will see a lot less criminal activity than if you were located in a low criminal activity area. Saying that the effect your CCTV system can have even in a low risk area can still deter criminals. But there are things to think about when you have the system installed, to ensure you get the best possible effect out of your system. You need to ensure that the entire area you would like to cover is covered, ie you may need more than one camera. If the area you need to cover is external areas, you may even have to ensure nature is not in the way of your camera system, cut down any bushes or trees that are going to be in the way of getting the best possible footage.

Another useful piece of equipment to have installed along your CCTV system is additional lighting, for example motion detection flood lights are great, the footage will be of a better quality the more light it gets.

According to studies CCTV systems are most effective on planned crimes such as burglaries, theft and vandalism. When it comes to unplanned crimes, mainly due to the criminal being under the influence of alcohol, it seem to have much less effect. In simple terms this means that CCTV systems can deter criminals who have set out to burgle, vandalises or steal, but on people who had a bit too much to drink and carry out a criminal activity it does not have much affect. In effect it has an impact when the criminal have the opportunity to think if the activity they are carrying out is worth possibly getting caught on camera for.

There are also studies that suggest that the less experienced criminal is more likely to stop the criminal activity than a more experienced criminal. A more experienced criminal will not be deterred by just any CCTV system they will need to know that they could get caught in the action or by being identified on camera footage to deter them from carrying out the criminal activity.

It is also essential that the CCTV signage is there, the more the public is aware of the CCTV system being in place the better. Many premises with CCTV systems in place are still not advertising the system enough. Let everyone know you have the cameras installed and that you are not afraid to use the footage! A simple way of doing this is by having many CCTV signs.

The ideal situation you would have a few cameras installed, to cover all areas you could possibly have problems in. Also prove that you do record footage and give the footage to police as and when it would be necessary.

But most of all, what would increase the use and understanding of CCTV systems would be a more affordable price for any home and business. We at Secure London feel very strongly about the security of the public and to improve the life of all and do our upmost to live up to our own expectations.