If you already have a security system, it may seem redundant to have cctv. After all, if a security system is supposed to keep out intruders in the first place, ideally, you wouldn’t have to use cameras to catch any burglars. Unfortunately, sometimes intruders do break into your home, even when you have a security system. Many people don't arm their systems or only use them when away for longer periods of time or sometimes thieves don’t realize you have a active security system, or sometimes burglars are just plain arrogant. There are also many other uses for CCTV, besides catching burglars, they are useful for seeing who’s at your door or checking up on children or pets.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and uses of security cameras.
CCTV in Action
In some cases, security cameras catch intruders right away, and in other cases it takes more time and police investigation to catch an burglar. Here are a couple examples in which home security cameras have proved useful:
Delivery driver thief caught on CCTV.
In December, a delivery driver in London was caught on camera stealing an iPad, which was a father’s Christmas gift for his daughter. This savvy dad, Paul, had put up a camera, monitoring his front door, and when he later reviewed the footage, it was clear what had happened. When the unnamed delivery company didn’t respond to customer service calls, Paul posted the video on YouTube, which got their attention, and ultimately, the iPad was returned.
Burglar caught almost instantly.
While the video of the delivery driver thief wasn’t seen until after the crime, when you have a live camera feed that alerts you when it senses motion, you can sometimes catch burglars in the act. One day, London resident, Dan Stokes was sitting at his office desk when he starting receiving emails with live images from his wireless wi-fi infrared camera that he had set up with motion detection. Upon receiving the images, Dan called 999 and the burglar was caught there and then.
Tips for Using Cameras
There are certainly ways to maximize the effectiveness of your security cameras:
-Get a camera with a live feed and instant text or email alerts
-A motion-sensor security camera often works best
-A night camera will allow you to see crooks at night
-Invest in a good camera, so you can get high-quality images
-Put cameras on both your front and back doors
-Place cameras in areas of the home where burglars would have to walk
-Use both discreet and obvious cameras
-Supplement your real cameras with fake ones if you’re on a budget
Uses for Cameras
With the right security package, you can view live surveillance footage from your smartphone or any other web-enabled device, no matter your location. Your camera can prove useful in many instances besides home intrusions:
-Make sure your pets are okay while you’re at work
-Check in on the nanny or babysitter while you’re out
-Say hi to your kids when they get home
-Check on your baby from another room in the home
-Keep an eye on the kids while you’re busy cooking or cleaning
-See who’s at the door before getting up to answer it
- Using our pan, tilt and zoom internal cameras, monitor pets at home throughout the day.
When it comes to home security, extra measures never hurt. Sometimes, a thief will completely avoid a home because of the dreaded security cameras and home burglar alarm system. Other times, a more arrogant burglar might try to break into your home anyway, but if you have instant notifications, you’ll know about it immediately, you can notify the police, and you’ll have video evidence in case it’s needed. For a no obligation free survey visit www.hensonsecurity.com to see how we can integrate protecting your home into your lifestyle.
