If you are a property owner and wish to take the extra step in ensuring the security and safety of your belongings, setting up a CCTV camera system is one of the most effective routes you can take. Being used to keep an eye on intruders and unwanted visitors, CCTV cameras can also act brilliantly as a deterrent, making your property far less likely to be broken into in the first place.
Setting up a CCTV system in and around your property is not as easy as simply buying a collection of cameras and switching them on. There are a few considerations to think about before the cameras are fully installed to ensure that they work to their fullest potential and in this blog, we are going to talk about those considerations.
1 – Camera Positioning
One of the most important things that need to be considered is the positioning of each of your cameras. You don’t want to give potential intruders any chance of causing a disturbance without being seen by a camera. You should take the time to ensure that your CCTV system covers your entire premises, across doors, off-street windows and any garages.
One area that is sometimes overlooked when installing a CCTV system is inside of the property itself. It is seen as preferable to position cameras outside because their purpose is predominantly to act as a deterrent in tandem with actually recording the property. However, it is a good idea to set up CCTV within the building as well. This is because if someone does manage to break in, you want to make sure that you have concrete footage of them committing the offence as well as providing proof of anything they may have taken.
2 – Audit the Premises
When deciding where you want to place your CCTV cameras you will want to target the right areas. CCTV systems can be expensive so you will want to be sure that they are working in the most effective way possible. It is a good idea to go over your property from top to bottom and make note of any vulnerable entry points that could be easy pickings for intruders.
It may be worth trying to get in contact with a previous owner or your landlord to ask about any break-ins that occurred before you moved onto the premises. It may also be helpful to get a friend to have a look around as well, to give a second opinion and to potentially spot a vulnerable place you have missed. Doing this will make sure that all bases are covered when auditing the security of your property – giving you the best chance of setting up your CCTV system in the most effective way possible.
3 – Be Wary of the Weather
If you live in an area that is often struck with changing weather conditions, it is important that this is taken into account when planning the locations of your CCTV cameras. As with regular cameras, sunlight can make a great difference in the quality of image that is produced. To combat this, it is advisable to place cameras that are likely to be exposed to direct sunlight in a shaded area.
It is possible to invest in weatherproof security cameras, which are designed to effectively deal with all weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures and humidity. You should also be aware of natural occurrences that could block a camera’s line of sight such as fog or shrubbery/foliage. To make sure that your CCTV system is working to its full potential all year round, weather conditions should be taken into consideration.
4 – What the Camera is Looking For
The type of CCTV cameras that are going to be the most effective for you depends on what building you are adding them to and what you want the cameras to look out for. If you are more concerned about unwanted individuals making their way onto your property then a facial recognition system is likely to be your best option. However, if you would like to keep more of an eye on the vehicles that are entering your premises, then you are more likely to benefit from a camera for license plate capture.
A benefit of fitting a license plate capture system is that you can attach the camera to an entrance gate and programme it to permit or forbid specific cars from entering the premises – this is done by placing certain number plates on a white list or blacklist, depending on whether the vehicles are welcome or not.
5 – Types of Cameras
As you may have gathered by now, there is a massive amount of CCTV camera options for you to choose from. It is important that you set some time aside to figure out which design of camera will work the best for you and will provide the best security for your property. For example, if you are planning on placing a camera within arm’s reach from the ground, you are better off not choosing a bullet style camera, as they can be easily pushed out of the way.
Other things to consider include the quality of image and output resolution, as well as the lens size and the addition of any sensors. With all these separate features and functions to consider, it will be worth your time to explore what is available to you within your security camera budget.
Contact Matrix Fire and Security
If you are interested in fitting a CCTV system to your property or premises, then look no further than Matrix Fire and Security. We provide our services across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and London.
If you would like to get in contact with us about our security services, please feel free to fill out our online enquiry form or by calling us on 01296 614440.
