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CCTV System Installations

CCTV Installation UK: Advancements in CCTV camera technology, coupled with the continual decrease in their prices, have led to their widespread presence on both residential and commercial properties throughout the UK. These surveillance systems, now more accessible than ever, play a crucial role in enhancing security measures for a variety of premises. Nonetheless, it's important to acknowledge that a CCTV system that is poorly designed and installed may fall short of providing the expected security advantages. The effectiveness of these systems heavily relies on proper installation and thoughtful design, tailored to meet the specific security needs of a property. Without these critical considerations, even the most advanced CCTV technology may not deliver the comprehensive security coverage and peace of mind that property owners seek. To avoid any installment problems and get the best from your security system it's best to use experienced CCTV installers.

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TYPES OF CCTV SYSTEMS

Analogue Equipment - These represent the typical configurations for recording and monitoring activities with a multi-camera setup. They primarily capture video footage and images, storing them on on-site Digital Video Recorders (DVR). Additionally, they offer internet connectivity, enabling remote viewing through your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Should the need arise, you can transfer video clips to a DVD/CD or USB for potential police inspection. While many DVRs come equipped with web connectivity as a standard feature, they are primarily designed to function as standalone systems.

CCTV Installation UK

Internet Protocol (IP) Systems - Wireless CCTV cameras establish connections with a local device through their dedicated network, known as an intranet, or can link to an internet router for video transfer. Each camera possesses a distinct IP address that facilitates its connection to a DVR or computer system. IP systems offer a notable advantage with their capacity to send notifications to your mobile device, while also enabling you to store video footage and images for enhanced security. However, it's essential to ensure the proper configuration of security features and encryption to safeguard against unauthorized access to your camera feeds.

Cloud Based CCTV Systems - CCTV cameras utilise an internet connection through a secure and encrypted server to upload and preserve all images and video recordings in the "cloud". Both analogue and IP camera systems are capable of integrating cloud-based technology alongside their fundamental recording capabilities. Typically, these systems are employed in conjunction with monitoring services, which levy an annual or monthly charge for overseeing your UK property. This arrangement offers enhanced security and the convenience of remote access to surveillance footage.

CCTV Installers UK (044)

LIGHTING FOR CAMERAS

Most cameras on sale now come equipped with some sort of infrared lighting built in to support recording in even the darkest settings. Any infrared camera will record video in black and white during the hours of darkness and at a marginally lower resolution than those of the device's daylight footage. If you find the resolution produced by infrared is not adequate for your CCTV's requirements, you might be able to install external security lighting to create a natural light. These offer you the best possible chance of recording colours under artificial lighting, and can be configured to only light up if movement is picked up by your camera.

Watch out if using traditional security lighting with cameras, so you don't annoy nearby neighbours or shine light directly onto roads.

CCTV AND THE LAW

Systems that record or monitor your property and outside areas don't come under the Data Protection Act except if they capture images from a neighbouring property or a public area; regardless of how modest the captured area might be. This does not mean you're not permitted to use your CCTV system or monitor activity on your property, however it does mean any video footage has to be secured in accordance with the regulations.

CCTV Installation Near UK

The ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) can provide advice on your legal obligations regarding the monitoring and recording of public areas, which includes targeted instructions regarding disclosure signs to the general public of your use of a CCTV system. You can make certain that all legal requirements are met by choosing a certified CCTV service in the UK for the installing of your CCTV camera system.

If your property is listed, is in a national park, is in a conservation area or is in an area of scientific interest, you will need to double check with the local council if planning permission is necessary. In other properties in the UK you can avoid the need for planning permission by making sure your surveillance cameras are mounted at least 2.5 metres above ground level and that they do not project out a distance of greater than 1 metre.

CHOOSING THE BEST CCTV SYSTEM

Whatever your budget is you should find a CCTV system that fits your requirements. The most affordable system may still provide remote recording and monitoring from only one camera, whilst a multi camera, motion detection system linked to your burglar alarm and remotely monitored by a specialist company, will obviously be at the higher end of the budget range. A reliable security camera installer in the UK will evaluate all your requirements and constraints to provide you with the most effective CCTV products at the right price.

They'll also ensure your budget is not overshot or attempt to sell you equipment that isn't really needed. Irrespective of how much you decide to invest in your CCTV equipment, a genuine company will offer you the very best service, from sales to installation and aftercare. You should always get quotations from at least three different companies and make certain that you understand fully the service and equipment they are offering.

CCTV Systems UK

You may wish to keep your CCTV cameras hidden from onlookers, or alternatively you may need them to act as a physical deterrent by being visible. A skillfully fitted CCTV camera system has been proven by interviews with ex-thieves to provide the most effective deterrent to potential burglars.

It might be the case that you've bought an off the shelf CCTV system and need help with the installation. A local UK CCTV installation specialist will be glad to help you out even if you haven't bought the equipment through them. With their knowledge of the different CCTV systems on the market, they are likely to be informed about any model you've bought, and will quickly and efficiently set up and mount your new equipment.

STANDARDS, TRAINING, ACCREDITATION AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

When picking a CCTV security system for your UK property keep an eye out for the BS EN 62676 (British Standard) kitemark. The standards set down in BS EN 62676 stipulates the operational parameters for the apparatus, and guidelines on the best way to install and position the CCTV camera system for the best effect. If you have non standard equipment fitted and it fails to meet the levels offered by the company, or your own requirements, you might find it difficult to rectify the situation.

The security industry is well regulated and any professional CCTV installer should have membership to a trade organisation, or be affiliated with one or more established security associations. The following are the main the UK security trade organisations:

CCTV Cameras UK

The Security Institute - The SI is the largest of all the trade associations for security professionals. With over 3,000 members, the SI guarantees that its members will deliver the highest possible standard of security by using best practices and following the security Code of Conduct at every stage of planning, installation and maintenance.

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) - As an independent trade organisation, the National Security Inspectorate promotes the security and fire safety sector by highlighting high quality security firms and CCTV installers in the country. The vetting procedure is rigorous and includes a company demonstrating their knowledge in the installation, design and maintenance of a wide range of security equipment. A security company must also supply data and records that relate to; personal and company liability insurances, personnel vetting and training, equipment calibration and maintenance, and also must show that its premises are appropriate for the NSI's rigorous requirements. Fire & rescue services, police forces, and insurance providers in the UK and EU all recognise members of the NSI as having the highest standards within the security and fire safety industry.

Secure By Design (SBD) - Secure by Design is an official police security initiative set up with the aim or reducing crime. Secure by Design works closely with building firms, security companies and architects to improve the physical security of industrial and residential buildings all over Great Britain.

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) - The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is a trade organisation for the security industry in the UK. All BSIA members are appraised and meet the British Standards, ISO 9000 regulations for security installations, and observe all Codes of Practice for the industry.

CCTV and Data Protection

If you're installing a CCTV system in your UK home, and it is liable to collect images from beyond the boundary of your property, then your system will be regulated by the UK's data protection laws. This includes filming in locations such as an alleyway, a next door neighbours' garden or a public street.

You are not in fact breaking any laws as such by doing this, but the law sees you as a "data controller" in these circumstances, and you will have to meet the legal obligations as laid down by the Data Protection Act (2018).

It is still feasible for you to record such footage, but you need to respect the legal rights of any individual whose activities you are recording, and accomplish this in a way that conforms to the data protection laws.

If you've got surveillance cameras that are recording footage beyond the perimeter of your property:

  • You should have a justifiable and obvious basis for collecting such footage.
  • You should put up signs to let people know that you're using CCTV to record images.
  • Recorded footage should only be stored for as long as it is needed, and you must delete it frequently.
  • You should only record footage that's necessary for your purpose, and never more than is actually needed.
  • You should keep safe and ensure the security of any recorded images.
  • You should at all times acknowledge subject access requests (SARs) within 30 days.
  • You must, when asked, explain your reasons for collecting this footage.
  • Unless required for an authentic legal dispute, you should delete images of specific people when asked to do so.
  • You must only use the system for your declared purpose, and not allow others to use it improperly.

Does CCTV Reduce Crime?

"Do CCTV cameras help to prevent crime?" Is a question which is regularly asked when considering both domestic and commercial security. Most experts would say yes, they definitely do. Over the last few years several studies have been conducted to verify whether this is in fact the case, and some illuminating results have come out of this research.

A leading insurance company, who literally interviewed former criminals as part of their research, found out that CCTV cameras and barking dogs are the two things that are most likely to prevent a break-in. It seems that the prime concern or issue when considering a crime is to refrain from any break-in that's likely to attract attention to the offender.

Additional evidence that crime can be significantly reduced by the existence of CCTV cameras in both private and public settings was outlined by the College of Policing. Based upon forty one independent studies, around 16% of criminal activity was prevented by CCTV cameras. The reductions were even more significant with respect to vehicle related crime, where an extraordinary 23% drop was reported. There is an even greater effect when active monitoring of the CCTV cameras in question is taking place.

Crooks are mainly thought to be put off by:

  • The increased use of a monitored area by the public.
  • The fact that additional precautions are being taken by potential victims.
  • The real risk of being caught.
  • The awareness that their chances of being caught or arrested is increased.

CCTV Signage UK

When they're thinking about installing CCTV in the UK, a lot of homeowners are unsure about whether they need signage or not. Nobody would argue that the legislation surrounding CCTV can be a little unclear, and it is a wise idea to check up on which rules you need to adhere to.

If you are putting CCTV into a domestic home in the UK, you do not "have to" fix up signs so long as you don't record any footage of areas beyond the perimeter of your property. You'll definitely have to erect signs if you're filming part of a neighbours' garden, an alleyway, a public park, a nearby road or a public footpath in the UK.

If you're a business owner in the UK, and have CCTV cameras installed on your premises, you will need to erect signs to inform both your staff and your clientele. It's especially important to have clear and prominent signs when CCTV cameras have been located in discreet positions or in areas where people wouldn't usually expect to be under surveillance. Signage should include information about who the system is being managed by, and should be highly visible and clearly readable.

Even in a situation where the installation of CCTV signs is not a requirement, you still ought to consider doing this, as the signs are known to be a big deterrent on their own, and they are also often more noticeable than the CCTV cameras themselves. (Tags: CCTV Camera Signage UK, CCTV Signs UK, CCTV Signage UK, CCTV Warning Signs UK).

Dummy CCTV Cameras UK

To help deter intruders or prevent criminal activity, there are plenty of options available, and you could perhaps put up a few fake CCTV cameras if you can't really afford, or don't want to go to the lengths of installing a comprehensive security system. Dummy CCTV cameras are significantly cheaper than the genuine article, and you could reap the benefits of having fake/dummy CCTV cameras fitted, whether you're a home or business owner in the UK. The fake cameras that are readily available these days are extremely realistic, and they are hard to distinguish from the real thing for all but the most inexperienced eye.

Fake CCTV Cameras UK (UK)

I have often seen claims that an experienced criminal will never be deceived by a fake camera and that dummy CCTV will only deter the opportunist thief. A dummy CCTV camera, should however, make your home far less attractive than an entirely unprotected one with no camera whatsoever. And, when you consider the fact that a reasonable percentage of crimes committed in the UK are undoubtedly opportunistic, the benefits are self-evident.

In UK (or anywhere else for that matter), the vast majority of burglars are looking for an easy target, and there is a pretty good chance that they will look elsewhere for easier pickings if you can put doubts in their mind about entering your home or premises.

Dummy CCTV cameras are available in all shapes and sizes and prices range from about £6 to £30 or £40 or more for elaborate models. They're also available for use both internally and externally. (Tags: Dummy CCTV UK, Imitation CCTV UK, Dummy CCTV Cameras UK, Fake CCTV Cameras UK).

Can CCTV Reduce the Cost of my Home Insurance?

This is of course a fact most householders in the UK wish to know, and to be honest "No" is the reply in most instances. A minimal discount could be conceded by some insurance companies, where CCTV is installed, but mostly only when it is being used in conjunction with a burglar alarm or more sophisticated security system. A lot of insurers won't even offer you money off for a security alarm unless it is professionally installed, which is of course the priciest option.

CCTV Insurance Costs UK

The amount you actually pay for your home insurance is largely determined by the postcode where you live, what level of contents insurance you require and the property value. In fact, the rate of crime in your area is the overriding factor when it comes to insurance.

The fact remains that the majority of properties in the UK still do not have CCTV, and if you consider this from the insurance company's standpoint, they may well speculate on why you have decided to install cameras. For instance, if you are installing cameras due to there being a crime surge in your part of UK, insurers might consider this to be an increased risk and will definitely not lower their prices if this was the case.

When all is said and done, the most important reasons for installing CCTV ought to be that it supplies evidence in case of a break-in, it raises your sense of security and it discourages burglars.

Workplace CCTV UK

Employers may decide to install CCTV in a workplace for numerous reasons:

  • To reduce or prevent theft, violence and other offences.
  • To reduce damages to company property.
  • To prevent misconduct.
  • To boost productivity and track employee performance.
  • To make sure that health and safety guidelines are being observed.

Given that mutual trust is essential in employee/employer relations, this should be done with a a considerable amount of care. Employees need to be kept informed about how monitoring will be carried out, how long recordings will be kept, what information is likely to be captured and stored, what the intended use of recorded imagery is and what captured imagery is going to be used for.

Models and Makes of CCTV and Surveillance Camera

There's plenty of choice if you have decided that you would like to install CCTV on your home or business in the UK, and there are a wide selection of surveillance and CCTV cameras on the market at this moment. Some of the top rated CCTV cameras in 2020 include: Ring (Floodlight Cam, Indoor Cam, Spotlight Cam, Stick Up Cam), Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera, Arlo Pro 3, Blink (Outdoor Cam, Indoor Cam), Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, Ezviz C3W Wi-Fi Security Camera, D-Link Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera, EufyCam2 and Logitech Circle View.

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