CCTV and Security for Your Business
Crime is a problem that businesses have faced ever since the dawn of time. But, in the 21st century, technology can help to reduce that threat. And it’s all thanks to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Thus, with a CCTV installation you can deliver round the clock coverage of any activity in and around your premises. A major deterrent to any criminals, CCTV grants business owners peace of mind by allowing them to protect their premises from unauthorised visitors.
Common CCTV Installation Questions
- What is CCTV?
- Where is CCTV used?
- How is camera footage stored?
- How does CCTV prevent crime?
- What are the benefits of CCTV cameras
- What is required for a CCTV installation?
- Advice on the type of data cabling I require?
What is CCTV?
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit television systems where the signals taken from a camera are not publicly broadcast but viewed and recorded internally to a specific building or location
Where is CCTV used?
Cameras are placed as part of an overall strategy to cover designated problem points and locations where coverage would deter would be intruders. Locations would include entry and exit points, transfer points between floors, lift access and coverage of areas with value such as car parks, tills, store rooms etc.
Where is CCTV storage stored?
This signals are sent to a digital recording system which records the coverage and issues the images to a set monitor or allows access over the network for computers, tablets and phones to access these images
How CCTV prevents crime
Crime is a problem that businesses have faced ever since the dawn of time. But, in the 21st century, technology can help to reduce that threat. And it’s all thanks to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). With CCTV installed you can deliver round the clock coverage of any activity in and around your premises. A major deterrent to any criminals, CCTV grants business owners peace of mind by allowing them to protect their premises from unauthorised visitors.
Cameras are not a physical barrier or able to physically stop crime so the primary aim of CCTV systems is its preventative nature by changing the perception of the intruder and installing the risk in their minds that they might be caught for the upcoming actions. In essence it increases the perceived risk of capture
To install a system that acts as a deterrent successfully the offender must believe the cameras presence is enough to capture their details and for them to weigh that against the rewards of the crime. Also the camera must be significantly visible so that the intruder is aware of the camera and its recording
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits behind CCTV and how you go about installing it.
What are the Benefits of CCTV?
CCTV is a way of archiving real time activity around your business using fixed security cameras. And working with this security system results in the following benefits:
- Monitor Activity – Business premises can be very busy places. Therefore, it’s important to be able to monitor exactly what’s happening. An unauthorised visitor, for example, can gain access to your premises very quickly. All it takes is one door left open and they are in. With a live feed of what’s taking place on your premises you can reduce this risk.
- Deter Criminals:
If there’s one thing that criminals want to protect then it’s their identity. Thus when they’re confronted by the sight of a security camera they will often think twice. This deters some people from committing any criminal acts. The presence of CCTV is an immediate indicator that evidence against them will be mounting up throughout the entirety of their activity. It’s a sure-fire deterrent and one that all businesses should take advantage of. - Store Evidence: With the advent of digital technology, storing CCTV footage has never been easier. Instead of collecting piles of VHS tapes you can now store thousands of hours of security footage on a small hard drive. And this can prove invaluable in the event of any criminal activity. Not only will it help determine what has happened, but it will be able to identify the offenders.
- Record Keeping: CCTV doesn’t have to be focused on criminal activity. It can also be used for much simpler activities such as monitoring employee behaviour and conduct such as timekeeping and safety e.g. sticking to designated walkways in factory areas. This allows your business to enhance safety and productivity.
CCTV Installation – How CCTV Works
CCTV systems are easy to use, but proper installation is paramount for a successful system. The simplest CCTV systems use a hub and camera and can be set up by anyone who can use a screwdriver. For more complex systems it’s recommended that a professional security company completes the installation. This will take the headache out of calibrating and positioning equipment.
And, if you don’t have internet access, CCTV systems are not off bounds. Cameras can still be connected to PCs by network cables. This allows a constant feed to be recorded in even the most remote areas.
If you want an immediate boost to your businesses security then installing a CCTV system is the easiest way to achieve this. Enhancing the security of your business and your employees is a clever move and one that can minimise the threat of disruptions.
CCTV Installation Companies – Who Installs CCTV Cameras?
CCTV systems come in a large range of choices and variations. Simple CCTV systems can be brought from national retailers and installed by the individual
However for business using an experienced CCTV installer is recommended due to the need to consider all the elements of a CCTV system and not just the cameras
Other considerations include
- Location of cameras and what is important to cover
- Range of cameras and visual scope of cameras for coverage areas
- The correct style of camera for aesthetics but also as a deterrent
- Access to the network for viewing images
- The data cabling connections and cable runs to link the system together
- Electrical wiring requirements or PoE options for Cameras
- Daylight and night-time viewing options and coverage
- Recording systems, time, quality and storage
What type of cabling do I need for CCTV Cameras?
Legacy CCTV systems used to consist of either coaxial cables or Cat5e cables terminated to a coaxial BNC connector to receive the signals for the cameras
The camera would then either be locally powered or power sent down a second data cable carrying and electrical feed
The modern CCTV cameras operate over existing structured cabling and the signal and power for the CCTV camera are sent down the same cable.
A large majority of CCTV cameras work on the PoE+ standard so professionally installed cable is recommended as poorly installed data cabling will affect not only the power to the camera but also the signal. Cat6, Cat6a and above is recommended
CCTV Installation Companies Summary
CCTV systems are easy to use. However correct installation is paramount for a successful system. The simplest CCTV systems use a hub and camera and can be set up by anyone who can use a screwdriver. For more complex systems it’s recommended that a professional security company completes the installation. This will take the headache out of calibrating and positioning equipment.
And, if you don’t have internet access, CCTV systems are not off bounds. Cameras can still be connected to PCs by network cables. This allows a constant feed to be recorded in even the most remote areas.
If you want an immediate boost to your businesses security then installing a CCTV system is the easiest way to achieve this. Enhancing the security of your business and your employees is a clever move and one that can minimise the threat of disruptions.
Lear more about CCTV System Installation
About NM Cabling Solutions – Network Cabling Specialist
NM Cabling is a technology, structured cabling and electrical integrator working throughout the United Kingdom.
We have created a comprehensive Knowledge Centre for our industry which can be viewed at https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/