The benefits of CCTV Systems in preventing crime in Bristol, Bath, Avon and Somerset Areas

CCTV systems consist of a series of cameras linked to a monitoring system for the purpose of detecting crime before, or as, it happens. CCTV, or closed circuit television, is increasingly effective at reducing property crime and deterring crime in public places such as car parks. By making people feel safer, it also enhances quality of life for home and business owners. There has been a sharp rise in closed circuit television use at commercial premises and in residential use with the introduction of smaller less intrusive cameras.

Why use CCTV in Avon and Somerset?

CCTV as a deterrent to crime:
In the Avon and Somerset areas, crime has been reducing gradually in the last three years. However there are still over 7000 domestic and non domestic burglaries every year in Bristol and over 1500 in Bath. Criminal damage remains a concern in both regions with over 10,000 reported incidents in the 2008/2009 period to date. Studies show that CCTV reduces the incidents of property crime. Burglars are put off by the presence of CCTV cameras.

CCTV as an investigative tool in Bristol and Bath:
Recording images allows police and fire fighters to track events before and after an incident and helps in the apprehension of any culprit.

CCTV as a preventive measure in Bristol and Bath:
The on-site or remote CCTV operator and system act as a tracking device, picking up possible criminal behaviour before an incident takes place and enabling the removal of the person concerned.

How to choose your CCTV system in Bristol and Bath, Avon and Somerset
In order to decide which closed circuit television surveillance system you require, ask the following questions:

How clear do your images need to be? Do you want to track general comings and goings of people or vehicles? Do you want to see more precise images such as faces or number plates? What sort of closed circuit television security cameras do you require – wired or wireless? Do you need indoor and/or outdoor CCTV camera systems? Do you need a 2, 4, 8 or 16 camera system? What budget do you have available?
Do you need to monitor your Bristol or Bath premises covertly?
What type of CCTV sensor is best? There are two types of CCTV cameras, CMOS and CCD which are the image sensor. CMOS based cameras are cheaper but do not produce as clear and sharp image as CCD cameras.
Choose black and white or colour recording: If you are going to use the cameras in an environment where the light conditions are very low, it is recommended to buy a monochrome CCTV camera system. Colour should only be considered for inside use in good lighting conditions. Consider light level specifications and resolution.
Select a monitor that will match the resolution of your closed circuit TV camera system.
CCTV cameras system recorders: Video recorders have been replaced by DVR (digital video recorder) which record onto hard drives and are the best option.
Do you need to have access to your closed circuit television images when away from the property? Link the DVR via a router and broadband to a PC anywhere in the world and leave your property in Bristol or Bath without worrying what is happening.
Are you away frequently? Do you want to have the property monitored 24/7? Get yourself a remote monitoring service, leave the monitoring to someone else and link your CCTV system to the Avon and Somerset Police Force and Fire Service.
If you require a police or fire service response to your CCTV security alarm or insurance cover we recommend a professional CCTV system. The Avon and Somerset police only respond automatically to alarm and CCTV security systems installed by reputable, independently assessed alarm and monitoring companies. Many insurers will require a certificate from a professional installer to insure your business or home.
Find a supplier of the separate components and build your own system or call in a professional company from your local area like Standfast Security Systems and ask them to recommend a CCTV system.

Standfast Security Systems provide CCTV Surveillance Systems in Bristol, Bath, Avon and Somerset.
This service includes the design, installation, monitoring and maintaining of CCTV equipment in the Bristol, Bath, Avon and Somerset regions. Your CCTV system can by made up of the following components:

•   Cameras – interior and exterior, and covert cameras if needed
•   Monitors
•   Digital video recorders with archiving of images
•   Remote viewing and control of your CCTV system from anywhere in the world
•   Remote monitoring of your CCTV system
•   Automatic police or fire service response where needed
•   A variety of payment options including CCTV lease and rental packages

Contact our Bristol office on 0117 942 3366 to discuss your CCTV requirements.