Find out all you need to know about CCTV Systems for your business
At Elite Fire & Security we understand that Commercial CCTV Systems can be difficult to understand what you should have, where your security risk points are and which system to go for in your business so we have included everything you should and need to know in our Commercial CCTV Systems article.
What does CCTV mean?
The definition of CCTV is Closed Circuit TV.
What are CCTV Systems?
A CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a surveillance system which comprises of cameras, video and displays for monitoring activity in a property or designated area, allowing you to monitor and record activity happening in a particular area via the cameras you have installed. The signals in a CCTV system are not publicly distributed but are in place or monitored for surveillance and security purposes. A good and reliable CCTV system requires sound strategic placement of cameras for it to be highly effective at deterring break-ins, vandalism and much more.
What is the purpose of a CCTV System?
The purpose of a CCTV system is for a property owner or organisation to be able to see things happening in a building or area at specific times as well as being alerted to activity happening in real-time or historically to keep a property secure from unauthorised people or activity happening.
The cameras simultaneously transmit footage to a screen which allows the areas where the cameras are installed to be viewed as it is happening and recorded or captured for playback later. A CCTV system captures any illegal activity that could be taking place in and around your property, be it a commercial or residential property.
Why is a CCTV System so important?
CCTV Cameras are important as they monitor buildings, property and access points of businesses to prevent theft, unauthorised access, vandalism, belongings and people. They are also used by local councils and the police to monitor streets, parks, roads, motorways and much more.
What types of CCTV Systems are there?
There are lots of different types of CCTV and each one offers different benefits. A professional security company will always come out to your property to assess your needs and your security hotspots to design the best security and CCTV system for you and your budget. The main types of CCTV systems are:
- Dome CCTV Camera
- Bullet CCTV
- Infrared CCTV
- IP CCTV
- Wireless CCTV
- High-Definition (HD) CCTV
- Thermal Heat detection CCTV
- C-Mount CCTV
- Day/Night CCTV
Dome CCTV Cameras
Dome CCTV Cameras are generally used for indoor security and surveillance needs. Their name comes from the dome-shaped housing in which they are installed and they are designed to be unobtrusive but not hidden. They are used a lot in public areas and buildings so that you can see they are there, however, they don’t make you feel like you are being watched and monitored all of the time.
Their dome shape results in you not being able to tell the direction the cameras are facing so they are a great solution for deterring criminals and ensuring the public and any employees feel at ease knowing the facility is being watched. Dome cameras that pan, tilt, zoom and spin quickly within the dome housing are often referred to as “speed domes.” These types of dome cameras allow the camera to be moved in real-time if needed. Some dome camera systems have an automated pan, tilt, zoom function where the camera is programmed to move on a timed basis to allow wider coverage and to avoid poor light conditions at certain times of the day.
Bullet CCTV Cameras
If you need a long-distance view from your cameras then Bullet CCTV cameras offer this, they have a long, cylindrical, and tapered shape, similar to that of a rifle bullet which is where their name comes from. Generally, bullet CCTV cameras don’t have the pan, tilt, zoom control option but instead, they capture images from a fixed, longer distance location area.
Bullet CCTV cameras are wall or ceiling-mounted and normally used internally, however, they can be used in some instances for outdoor applications. Bullet cameras can be installed inside protective casings, which protect against water, dust, dirt and other elements that can restrict the cameras view and quality of a recording.
Infrared or Night Vision CCTV Cameras
Infrared or Night Vision CCTV Cameras have the ability to see images in completely dark conditions and use the infrared LEDs to ensure they capture the images you need them to. They are ideal for use outside where at times there is no natural light.
Network/IP CCTV Cameras
Network/IP CCTV Cameras can be hardwired and wireless dependent on your needs and transmit the images over WiFi, often compressing the bandwidth so as not to use all of the internet speed. IP cameras are easier to install than analogue cameras because they don’t need a separate cable run or power boost to send images over a longer distance.
Wireless CCTV Cameras
Some wireless cameras can use alternative modes of wireless transmission and are not all IP-based. Their primary benefit is that they offer extreme flexibility in installation and don’t need a direct electricity source.
High-Definition HD CCTV Cameras
Ultra high-definition cameras are most often used when you need high-definition visual views and recordings and are often used in banks and casino type establishments. The high definition cameras offer the ability to zoom in and still have extreme clarity on the area or person the camera is focused on.
Thermal Heat detection CCTV Cameras
Thermal heat detection CCTV Cameras provide an early warning response to any hot points detected and this can be important for businesses and properties that house products that are prone to spontaneous combustion, or highly flammable, as well as businesses where there are no people so if any intruders break in it is detected immediately.
C-Mount CCTV Cameras
C-mount CCTV cameras have detachable lenses to fit different applications which can cover and see distances greater than 40ft which is over a standard CCTV camera lens view.
Day/Night CCTV Cameras
Day/Night CCTV cameras can fully operate and function as you need them to in both day and night lighting. The cameras don’t have infrared illuminators as they are able to capture clear video images in all types of light conditions, including complete darkness. Day/Night CCTV cameras are ideal for outdoor surveillance applications when infrared CCTV cameras don’t offer full video functionality and when there is a changing range of lighting, for example; extreme glare, direct sunlight, reflections, strong backlight, dusk and dark.
These are the main types of CCTV systems available but they can vary and can be combined to give you the optimum security aspects for your property or business. Automated changes can be incorporated in some systems, off-site surveillance as well as automated alerts. A professional security company will be able to advise you on the best CCTV system for your property and business and will offer you a free no-obligation site survey.
What types of businesses would you have CCTV in?
CCTV systems are used in warehouses, industrial plants, offices, leisure centres, cinema complexes, retail centres, developments, car showrooms, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, public places, car parks, supermarkets, train stations, bus stations, universities, colleges and many more. There really isn’t any type of business that wouldn’t benefit from a good and professional CCTV system.
What are the benefits of CCTV Systems in commercial properties?
There are huge advantages and benefits of having a CCTV system installed at your commercial property, including:
CCTV Systems Deter Crime
CCTV cameras installed at your business property are a really effective way to deter criminals from breaking in. Commercial properties which have CCTV installed are much less likely to be broken into, causing damage to your property, risk to you and your staff and the potential theft of your belongings, causing you and your staff to feel unsafe at work, experience loss to expensive or commercially sensitive belongings and having a negative impact on your business insurance premium.
CCTV Systems Monitor Activity
CCTV systems enable you to see what is happening at your office internally and externally, monitoring any unusual activity of visitors and or deliveries. You can see any activity as it happens or playback to a specific date and time if you need to. CCTV offers you and your staff peace of mind, making you feel safe and secure in your work surroundings.
CCTV Evidence
CCTV provides evidence if a break-in has happened or if there has been any theft or damage caused to your property on a specific date and time. It can be used to collect evidence which can help you build a picture of what has happened and can be passed to the police to be used as evidence if a crime has taken place, or if you need to settle a dispute with a delivery. CCTV footage is admissible in a court of law as evidence and plays a crucial role in identifying a criminal and the crime they have committed.
CCTV Reduces Insurance Premiums
In some cases having CCTV installed at your business can reduce your insurance premium. Always check with your insurer first if you are thinking about having a CCTV system installed as each insurer is different and this can sometimes only apply if you have a specific brand or system, or if it has been installed by a professional security company.
CCTV Aids Decision Making
CCTV systems can help you settle disputes with visitors, deliveries or neighbours as you can view the historical footage to show you and anyone else who needs to see it exactly what has happened on specific dates and times giving you factual evidence.
CCTV Activity Records
CCTV at property offers you historical footage of any unusual activity that has happened helping you to build a picture of times leading up to a break-in, or delivery queries.
CCTV Increases your Property’s Value
A fully functioning and professionally installed CCTV system will increase your property’s value as well as its desirability if you ever decide to sell it. Potential buyers are more likely to buy a property if it comes with a fully installed and integrated CCTV camera system by a professional security company.
You should always ensure that the CCTV system you have installed records high-quality images and sound otherwise if you are in a situation when you need to use the footage as evidence the quality is imperative. A professional security company will be able to explain the benefits and disadvantages of each system they offer, including the visual and audio quality and their cost.
What are the benefits of CCTV Systems in your workplace?
There are huge advantages and benefits of having a CCTV system installed at your business including:
CCTV Systems Deter Crime
CCTV cameras that are installed at your business or commercial property are an effective way to deter criminals from breaking in and anyone carrying out illegal activities. It is well-known that properties which have CCTV installed will be much less likely to be broken into which causes damage to your property, a risk to your staff and the potential loss of products or systems that will have a negative impact to your businesses and costs, including your business insurance premium.
CCTV Systems Monitor Activity
CCTV systems enable you and your team to keep track of what is happening at your business in the areas they have been installed. They monitor the activity of workers and any visitors at your site or property and it enables you to see it in real-time or playback to a specific date and time if you need to. This gives you and your workforce peace of mind, making them feel safe whilst they are working and you are in complete control of what is happening within your business. It is known that if employees are aware there are cameras then they have a higher level of accountability and this in itself deters inappropriate behaviour. CCTV will also encourage employees not to waste work time and they are less likely to sneak out to hallways or outside to send a quick text, take excessive bathroom breaks or, treat themselves to a long lunch.
CCTV Evidence
If a crime including a break-in, theft or damage is caused to your property or staff then having a CCTV system offers you evidence of who has entered without authorisation on a specific date and time. It can be used to collect evidence which can help you build a picture of what has happened and can also be passed to the police as evidence if a crime has taken place or if you need to settle a dispute with a delivery. CCTV footage is admissible in a court of law as evidence and plays a crucial role in identifying a criminal and the crime they have committed.
CCTV Reduces Insurance Premiums
In some cases letting your insurer know you have CCTV installed will reduce your premium, this normally only occurs if you have a specific CCTV system installed and by a professional security company so always check with them if it will and what their criteria are.
CCTV Aids Decision Making
CCTV systems can help you settle disputes as the footage will show you exactly what has happened as specific dates and times giving you exact evidence of what has happened and when.
CCTV Activity Records
CCTV keeps records of when your staff are coming in and out as well as deliveries any visitors that enter your property, this helps you ensure your business is running smoothly and address any problems that could be happening at any time.
CCTV Supports Finding Lost Property
If someone within your business loses something then you can use your CCTV footage to try and retrace their steps. This can come in handy if you need to locate essential documents or property for a customer.
CCTV Increases your Property Value
A fully functioning professionally installed CCTV system will increase your commercial property’s value if you ever decide to sell it. Potential buyers are more likely to buy a business property if it comes with a CCTV camera system fully installed and integrated by a professional security company.
All of these benefits are huge when it comes to running a safe and secure business and you should always ensure that the CCTV system you have installed records high-quality images and sound otherwise in a situation when you need to use the footage it can be pointless. A professional security company will be able to explain the benefits and disadvantages of each system they offer, including the visual and audio quality as well as their cost.
Where should CCTV Cameras be Located?
If you are considering installing a CCTV system then the location of the camera is imperative and should include:
- Discreet and hidden windows which burglars will be more likely to break into compared to windows where there are passers-by and they could be seen
- Doors front and back offer an easy access point for intruders and these can include fire doors and delivery doors which are targets for burglars to access. Again if a door doesn’t have passers-by then this will offer more opportunity for someone to break into it without being seen
- Parking spaces and car parks, especially for shared business park car parks should all have CCTV cameras installed as it makes people more aware when they are driving in and out of tight parking spaces and will help settle any disputes. They are also good if people are using them when it is dark as it gives them more peace of mind and deters potential crime including theft and vandals
- Stairways are always good to have a CCTV in as any burglars are likely to use the stairs or there tends to be a lot of unwanted activity that happens in stairwells that are not within sight
- Ground floor windows that aren’t visible to the public and passers-by are most likely to be used by unwanted intruders, ground floor windows are most likely to be used as a point of entry by burglars
CCTV in these areas will act as a deterrent for any unwanted activity but a good and professional security company will come out to your property and assess your ‘at risk’ entry points as well as your business and recommend where you should have CCTV cameras installed.
What types of buildings should you have CCTV Systems in?
You can have CCTV systems installed at your business to suit your security needs.
How do you know where to have a CCTV System?
As a business owner, you may not realise what your security risks are so a reputable security company will be able to advise you on this and recommend the best CCTV system for you and your budget.
Who should have CCTV Systems?
We would always advise businesses to have a CCTV system to protect their property, belongings and staff. More and more business owners are installing CCTV to protect themselves and their properties which deters any unwanted and unnerving break-ins.
What type of CCTV System should you have?
It really depends on your security needs and each property is individual so we would always advise you use a professional security company who will have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the best system for you.
How do you know where you should have your CCTV System points on your property?
It’s really difficult to know your security hotspots if it isn’t an area of expertise for you so always use a reputable and professional security company who will advise you of the best CCTV system and camera points for you.
What should I consider when I am thinking about a CCTV System?
- Why you want CCTV; is it to protect your property, belongings, people or all?
- Do you need a wireless CCTV system?
- What distance do you need a view of?
- How long will you want to keep CCTV images?
- What lighting do you want to see images in (day and night)?
- How do you want to view your CCTV images (live, historical or both)
- Do you want on or off-site surveillance, or both?
- Do you want alert systems automated into your CCTV system?
Who should I consider when I am thinking about choosing a CCTV Installer?
- A good security company will visit your property to learn about your business and find out about your property and any security concerns you may have
- They will conduct a full security risk assessment which will include security risks that you may not have thought about previously
- They will review possible entry points threats to ensure they give you a design and install a system that will protect your business or property to its optimum capability
- They will liaise with your insurance provider, architect, facilities manager or building contractors if you need them to before providing you with an assessment report, recommendations and a free no-obligation quote
- Their on-site visit will assess your building layout and access points to enable them to produce a full CCTV system design, as it is vital that it works correctly and offers you the security and functionality you need
- They will offer you CCTV options including any automation, monitoring and notification systems, explaining the benefits and disadvantages of each one, along with the cost to install and any ongoing maintenance costs or alert systems
- They will be able to provide you with information on businesses they have worked with previously and the types of CCTV systems they have installed
- The installation of your CCTV system will be carried out by fully trained and specialist engineers who will install and test your new CCTV system
- They will provide you and your team with full training and an understanding of your new CCTV system
- They will be able to offer you maintenance and servicing options which will keep your CCTV system operating effectively. A good security company will be able to offer you a planned maintenance and servicing contract which ensures your system is kept in good running order, preventing issues and giving you peace of mind 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
About Elite Fire & Security
- We only install the highest quality CCTV systems and components supplied by major manufacturers within the security industry
- We supply a wide range of CCTV systems from simple static and IP cameras, to fully functional pan, tilt and zoom controlled systems
- We offer a full assessment, layout and design service
- We offer planned maintenance, servicing and maintenance contracts for your CCTV system to maintain the quality of your ‘live’ and recorded images
- Our installations are carried out by our fully qualified engineers
- We offer emergency callouts and repairs if your system goes down and we can be there within 2 hours to repair it, keeping you up and running consistently
- We provide software that allows you to monitor your system from home, work or on the go
- Following installation full training will be given to you, your management and staff members
- We only use proven manufacturers and the latest technology to ensure complete protection for your business
- Since we started in 2005 we have carried out hundreds of jobs for business throughout the South, South West and Somerset
- Our jobs vary in specification and size and we have extensive experience in all aspects of Fire and Security
- We work with Leisure Centres, Storage Facilities, Restaurants, Offices, Car Dealerships, Industrial Properties and Works and Residential properties as well as many more
If you are thinking about installing a Commercial CCTV System for your business in Bristol, Bath or London then contact us on 0333 577 1230 and one of our CCTV specialists will be able to answer any questions you may have and book in your free no-obligation property assessment.
