1. Budget
CCTV systems have become more affordable for domestic properties and there are many different types of CCTV systems available on the market, so you want to be sure that you get a system that does what you expect. Some systems are available with 24 hour monitoring. If you install a system like this you will need to budget extra for the ongoing cost of the monitoring station. Other systems are available to be viewed from a smart phone to give you peace of mind when away. You budget will also vary depending on the size of your property and the wiring that may be required to located all the cameras.
2. Cameras
There are a number of important considerations regarding the cameras for your CCTV system. We can offer advice on where to locate the cameras to give maximum coverage of the areas of highest risk, and what is possible if the cameras are part of a wired system. Think about the areas where your property would be vulnerable to a break in. A back door for example which is not seen from the street may give a burglar extra time to work on breaking in. Most domestic systems have 4 or 6 cameras, but you could also consider installing dummy cameras in places that would be noticed by a would be burglar.
In dark areas it may be necessary to consider the amount of light, although many cameras do capture high definition images both during the night and day. Light levels are measured by something called LUX, so you will need to ensure that the camera has a low lux level ability. Again this is something we can advice on.
3. Hard Drive – DVR
The hard drive is the storage device for the images that the cameras are capturing. The cost of the hard drive will vary according to the size of the storage, the number of cameras you wish to attach and how long you wish to retain the images. A hard drive can also be networked, which will allow you to view the images from your property when you are away at work or on holiday on a smart phone through the use of an app. Play back of the images is generally straight forward, and there is no need to scroll through endless amounts of footage to find what you are looking for. The DVR software will show a time line which you can scroll through to find images quickly.
You will also need to decided where the Hard drive is to be located – It’s a small box about the size of a sky box, which will need to be linked to a monitor. You may consider putting this in a locked or obscure position, as you would not want a burglar to take it with him in the event of a break in. Taking the evidence with him!
4. Signage
Finally install signage to let passer by’s know that you are recording images. This is a legal requirement. Hopefully you won’t need to rely on it for anything but it does give you peace of mind ( and you do see some funny things going on outside your front door during the evening!)
5. Your Installer.
Make sure you deal with a reputable installer.
If you would like a no obligation quote – give us a call on 01246 853 535