Five Reasons to Install a CCTV Security System

Did you know that according to the experts, a CCTV security system can stop up to 67% of break-ins and burglaries? When a major CCTV camera maker surveyed 30 convicted burglars, two-thirds of them said that they avoided properties with an obvious burglar alarm or CCTV camera in evidence. Despite that, only about 9 percent of homeowners have a CCTV security system installed in their homes. If you’re not one of them, maybe one of these four other reasons will be enough to convince you.

Out of 1,000 homeowners questioned in the same survey, 25 percent of them had been the victims of a burglary. One in five of those said they would never get over the burglary and more than 50 percent of them said they still worry that it will happen again. In fact, based on the answers provided in that survey, burglary is more stressful than divorce, job loss, moving and getting married. Isn’t it worth the small cost of a CCTV camera and DVR to avoid all that stress and fear?

A stolen car can have far-reaching effects. Most stolen cars are never recovered, and when they are, they’ve often been damaged or destroyed. Even if you have theft insurance, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of a replacement. It can take weeks to get through all the paperwork for the insurance. In the meantime, you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle, probably at a high cost. If you rely on your vehicle to get to work, a stolen car can put your job in danger. And, say experts, having your car stolen has unexpected emotional effects. And of course, your car insurance premiums are likely to increase. A CCTV camera trained on your driveway could avert the whole problem. Car thieves are every bit as wary of being caught on camera as burglars. Those that are caught on camera are far more likely to be caught in real life as well.

A security camera can allow you to check in on your kids and your home while you’re at work. If you chose an IP security camera, you can log in from any Internet-enabled device and make sure that everything is going well at home. The peace of mind and increased safety is priceless.

The cost of a CCTV security system is far lower than you’d expect. New technologies have brought prices well within the budget of nearly any homeowner – and your insurance company will often decrease your premiums if you install a burglar alarm and CCTV camera system.

Why leave your family and belongings unprotected when it’s so easy to reduce the chances of burglary by almost two-thirds? Talk to a professional about CCTV cameras and security systems today.

Five CCTV Camera Features to Look For

The price point has come down considerably on CCTV security systems and cameras. The best CCTV systems are only as good as the security camera you choose for them. Today’s surveillance cameras offer lots of features and options that can improve your overall security, if you know what to look for. These five key features can make a big difference in the quality of your CCTV security.

Night Vision or Low-Light Viewing

If your camera will ever be recording in low light situations, look for a camera with a low lux rating. The lower the lux rating, the better it can see in the dark. This can be important if you’re using CCTV to monitor outside. If you want a camera for total darkness, choose one with a 0 lux rating and a built-in IR illuminator.

Minimal Wiring

Even a wireless security camera requires a power outlet. If you’re installing a new security system, look for cameras that require minimal wiring. It’s always easier to pull one wire than to route two.

The Right Style

Your camera doesn’t have to be a fashion standout, but its style should suit its intended purpose. If your intent is to deter shoplifting or warn intruders away from your home, choose a bullet camera mounted very visibly. If you prefer your surveillance to be unnoticed, there are many covert security camera styles available.

Adjustability

Choose a security camera that suits your needs. If you only intend to monitor a limited area, a fixed surveillance camera may be just fine. If, on the other hand, you need to keep watch over a wider range or want to be able to get a closer look at suspicious activities, choose a PTZ security camera that can be panned, tilted and zoomed to get different views of the area.

Viewing

Consider whether you only want real-time monitoring or whether you need to record surveillance for later viewing. If the latter, choose a camera that can record captured images to a hard drive or DVR. Likewise, if you want to be able to view your camera feed remotely, choose a web access or IP CCTV camera that will allow you to access the video feed and control the camera from your Web browser, smart phone or other media device.

In addition to those key features, you should also consider such things as durability, picture quality and, for an outside CCTV security camera, weather resistance. When you take the time to  consider your needs, you’ll find it much easier to find the right surveillance camera for your security needs.