Home CCTV
The rise in popularity of Home CCTV systems
In recent years the rise in popularity of home CCTV systems has made them a much more common feature in UK homes, and the benefits of installing a security system in your home are considerable. They offer security and reassurance at a time when we are more aware than ever of crime rates, anti-social behaviour, and a considerable lack of respect for other people’s property. In this context, a home security system is a sensible choice, and one that many homeowners are now opting into.
Of course, when you’re new to the world of home CCTV, it can be bewildering. There are so many options for CCTV systems – standard or Internet Protocol (IP CCTV), audio or just video? – as well as equipment to suit all budgets, it may be difficult to know where to start. Luckily the team here at 24-7 are on hand to answer your questions.
We use information about your house and how you’d like your home CCTV system to be used to give you personalised advice on the most suitable arrangement for your property. Then, once you’re happy with your system, we can then come out to you and install your new system promptly with professionalism and ease. It really couldn’t be simpler!
What is a home CCTV system?
Most people are familiar with the concept of CCTV on business premises – for example, monitoring customers in a shop or surveilling the exterior of a property after closing time. CCTV systems for the home work in much the same way – they can monitor the exterior of your house so you can track who is approaching your property or trespassing on your land, and even check on delivery drivers leaving parcels. This can offer considerable peace of mind for those who live in busy areas where many people would be near the house throughout the day, as well as giving protection to rural dwellers who worry that their isolated location might make them more of a target for opportunistic thieves.
Why are they such a good idea?
Alongside giving homeowners a greater sense of security, CCTV for homes also helps in actively preventing crime. Would-be burglars or vandals who know that a property has surveillance are less likely to engage in criminal acts, and this can also benefits neighbours if thieves believe the cameras also monitor parts of other people’s houses.
In fact, according to one study, CCTV installations (both domestic and commercial) reduced overall crime rates by 13%, whilst drug-related crimes dropped by 20% and theft of vehicles or belongings dropped by 14%. While these are impressive statistics in their own right, home CCTV combined with other preventative measures – such as additional exterior lightings and a visible, active house alarm – offers even greater deterrence.
Which home system should I choose?
CCTV home security systems come in two main formats. Which one will work best for you depends on your budget and how you would like to monitor your camera feeds.
The traditional set-up with tapes or discs to record footage is generally the cheaper option in terms of the equipment and can work very well for someone who only wants a few cameras or who lives in an area with poor internet connection, as these CCTV cameras run on their own wired circuit. However, the amount of storage is a limiting factor as each tape or disc will only hold a set amount of footage, which then either needs to be recorded over or – if it holds evidence to be used in a court case or other complaint – physically stored.
On the other hand, IP CCTV uses your home’s current network cables and a digital filing system, meaning that your storage capacity for footage is essentially limitless. What’s more, it uses IP (internet protocol) which allows for high-resolution 4k imaging, providing clear pictures of what is happening. Of course, the hardware for IP CCTV is more expensive, but overall, the maintenance and installation costs are lower, as the system as a whole is better adapted to work with your current home set-up.
What are my rights and responsibilities when installing home CCTV?
CCTV is there to help you protect your property and belongings, and to dissuade strangers from getting too close and personal. You have the right to take reasonable steps to protect yourself and your property, so putting up CCTV cameras for home use is perfectly legal when placed on land you own.
However, it’s worth noting the obligations you have to both your neighbours and potential burglars. Neighbours have the right to privacy on their land, so where possible locate your CCTV cameras in places where they only record footage from your property. Where this isn’t possible, speak to your neighbours in advance to discuss any issues, reassure them of your intentions, and try to negotiate suitable camera placement.
In addition, you should make any visitors to your property aware that they are being recorded. This can be a simple sign at the front and back of the house, warning people that CCTV is in operation.
Furthermore, if your cameras need to be positioned in a way that captures some footage from neighbouring houses, gardens or public land like pavements and roads, you need to be aware that your footage and storage need to comply with GDPR. Don’t keep footage for longer than is necessary, don’t keep any unnecessary footage, and don’t use your home CCTV system to spy on other people, harass them or in any way infringe on their privacy without exceptionally good cause.
The team at 24-7 will work with you to advise you on camera placement, but it’s potentially worth speaking to neighbours before installation to ensure they are aware of the cameras and understand their purpose. Many neighbours are happy for CCTV to be installed nearby as it can act as a deterrent for their property too.
CCTV systems for the home are fast becoming the primary method of protecting your land, and affordable options have opened up the market to unprecedented levels. Take advantage of the wide variety of manufacturers and models to find a home security system that meets your needs, and trust 24-7 to supply and install quality home CCTV equipment that will give you and your family peace of mind for years to come.
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Would you like to find out more about how home CCTV or high definition CCTV can help you monitor your home or business from wherever you are? Get in touch to book a no-obligation survey and live demo.
We install ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) Cameras to help deter theft, but it is also used for Car park access control systems, Car park toll payment automation, business premises access and lane control.
Areas We Cover
247 CCTV Security Ltd is one of the leading providers of bespoke CCTV and security systems in Essex,
Greater London, Kent, Surrey and other parts of the Southeast.
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