CCTV Installation: 7 Things You Really Do Need To Know

CCTV installation sounds like an easy solution. You want to protect your commercial property and these handy cameras will solve the problem. You’ll have a round-the-clock security guard.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, CCTV isn’t necessarily that simple. You can’t just buy some technology and stick it up anywhere. CCTV cameras are only as effective as the thought processes behind them.

In this article, we’re sharing 7 things you need to know before installing a CCTV system.

1) What’s the objective?

First, work out the problem you need to solve and the goal you want to achieve.

There are a number of different reasons why you may be considering CCTV. Here are just a few of them:

You need a deterrent against opportunist crime such as squatting and anti-social behaviour
It’s a requirement of your insurance company
You’re looking to gather evidence, perhaps to use in court proceedings
CCTV will enhance security systems already in place
It’s your sole security measure for this particular area of the property
You only need CCTV at certain periods, such as overnight

Not all CCTV cameras are created equal. Some will struggle to capture clear images in low light, for example. Others aren’t robust enough to cope with harsh weather conditions outside.

The problem you want to solve will help you determine the CCTV technology you need.

2) Know the law

There are 3 important laws surrounding surveillance and it’s good to be aware of them.

They are as follows:

Data Protection Act (DPA)
ICO Code of Practice for CCTV Systems (ICO)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Bear in mind that in the UK, you need a valid reason to install CCTV cameras at commercial premises.

You should know the designated areas where footage will be captured, and then notify people about it. There should be clearly visible signs stating that surveillance is taking place.

Also, there are restrictions on where you can film. Be aware of neighbouring properties. If CCTV is inadvertently capturing footage from, say, a school playground then you may find yourself in seriously hot water.

You’re probably assuming that anyone installing cameras will be aware of the laws around CCTV at commercial properties. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

To avoid problems, get in touch with the team at CSG. We can provide advice.

3) The location of CCTV cameras

The location of cameras comes down to the objectives we mentioned earlier. For example, will they be indoors, outdoors or both? Discreet or obvious?

If you’re installing CCTV as a deterrent, you may want the unsubtle approach of a CCTV tower. These 6-metre-high, solar-powered giants are far from subtle. They are the ultimate in overt security. To opportunistic criminals, they present a highly visible nightmare.

For places such as hospitality venues, a more discreet approach is needed. Some businesses don’t want to make it obvious that their premises are being monitored so they opt for internal CCTV which blends in with the decor.

Other points to consider are:

Power sources. Is there power or cabling in place? If not, will your cameras need wireless technology or solar power?
Blind spots. Keep these in mind. Additionally, watch out for trees or other objects obstructing the camera’s view.
Lighting conditions. If your cameras are outdoors, choose CCTV which can function in poor light, direct sunlight and glare.
Weather. For areas subject to harsh weather conditions, you’ll want robust, weatherproof cameras.

4) Protection

It seems ironic, but CCTV equipment is at risk of vandalisation and theft.

Firstly, CCTV technology can be worth a lot of money. Secondly, removing it makes it easier to damage or steal whatever it’s protecting.

Protect security cameras from theft and vandalism by placing them high up, at least 9 feet above the ground. The housing and wiring should be vandal-resistant — and it’s worth considering tamper alarms.

5) Regular maintenance

You see it all the time on TV police shows. They know who did it, but can’t prove it because the CCTV camera wasn’t working properly.

What they don’t tell you on telly is the reason for the fault. Often, it’s because the software hasn’t been updated, or because of bad weather.

Like anything, and particularly where technology is involved, CCTV cameras need to be looked after.

By running regular tests, ensuring software upgrades happen when they should, and carrying out recurrent maintenance, you can prolong the life of your CCTV. It will keep doing its job.

6) Remote monitoring

Even the most cutting-edge CCTV technology is only as good as the people who monitor the footage.

With remote monitoring, video from your CCTV feeds into an alarm receiving centre (ARC) where it’s monitored by eagle-eyed professionals. When there’s an incident, responders can see it in real time and take appropriate action. You get a blend of technology and human judgement.

It’s the difference between watching a crime after it’s already taken place, or responding to a potential problem before the crime happens.

7) Talk to CCTV experts

At Classic Services Group, we are experts in CCTV and alarms. We can advise on all aspects of your CCTV installation, remote monitoring options and the legalities surrounding surveillance.

Please get in touch to find out more about how we can help you. Use the contact page, or speak to one of our knowledgeable team on 08445 610 578.