A Security Camera is a hardware device used indoors or outdoors to monitor for unwanted visitors and potential thieves. Modern cameras are HD, wireless, and include night vision and two-way audio.
Some offer cloud recording. If you opt for this feature, your recordings are saved offsite on a server run by the camera manufacturer or a third party. This protects your footage from being destroyed or lost, even if the camera itself gets stolen. Contact Mobile Security Cameras now!
Security cameras are great deterrents, whether in the home or a commercial building. The presence of a camera will make potential criminals think twice before committing a crime, especially opportunistic crimes such as vandalism and burglary. A camera’s ability to capture identifying details can also help prosecute suspects.
However, there is much more to a security camera than its ability to deter crime. It can also help to document incidents and make the police job easier. This is particularly important for recurring issues such as a habitual trespasser or a robbery that’s become routine. The police will have a more difficult time arresting these types of perpetrators if they don’t have the evidence needed to make an arrest. Cameras are not a cure-all for this type of problem, but they can be useful tools in the arsenal of a security manager or property owner.
Cameras can be active or passive deterrents, and their location is often a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the system. A camera can be placed to monitor a specific area of your property, and it can be configured to trigger recording only when motion is detected. Many cameras can even be set to ignore minor scene changes, such as wind or light movement, by setting a “threshold” above which the camera will record.
Some security cameras are equipped with a microphone that can pick up voices, and others have a built-in siren to emit a high-pitched noise. The Deep Sentry by Vivint, for example, can play a tune or sound a 104-decibel siren when it detects a suspicious person in the vicinity of the camera.
Studies have shown that visible CCTV cameras can decrease crime rates, both property crime (robberies and burglaries) and crimes against people. This is due to the psychological effect of knowing that they are being watched and that their actions will be recorded on film. Cameras can be a great deterrent and can be used in conjunction with other preventative measures to achieve even greater results. However, the expense of a security system can be a deterrent for some. This can be offset by the long-term benefits of a well-designed and installed system.
Detection of Intruders
When thieves or vandals spot a security camera, they may be deterred from breaking into the property. The presence of the camera can also serve as evidence for law enforcement, helping to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice. The cameras can also provide video footage of the incident, which can be a valuable tool in helping to settle insurance claims and reducing any financial losses.
The best CCTV systems will feature night vision capabilities that allow them to capture images even in low light conditions. For added convenience, some systems can be integrated with other smart home ecosystem devices, which means that you can trigger other devices in your home such as lights or alarms when motion is detected. Facial recognition technology is a more advanced feature offered by some premium security systems, which can recognise and distinguish between different faces and help to identify potential intruders.
CCTV and intruder detection systems can be used independently, but when integrated, the combination offers enhanced monitoring, stronger deterrence and better incident analysis. By integrating the two systems, cameras can be automatically focused on the area when an intruder detection sensor is triggered, providing real-time footage and ensuring that action can be taken more quickly and effectively.
Homeowners concerned about privacy infringement can opt for more discreet cameras that can be concealed away from public view. In addition, it is important to ensure that cameras are positioned correctly and not recording sensitive areas like neighbours’ homes or public spaces. Cameras that are connected to the internet can be vulnerable to hacking, so it is important to use strong, unique passwords and to update the software regularly.
In addition, many security camera manufacturers offer a range of accessories that can be used to enhance the system. For example, some cameras come with a built-in speaker that can be used to communicate with intruders and others in the event of an incident. Moreover, some models have microphones that can be used to capture audio. Some also have infrared capability that can detect heat energy and provide illumination at night.
Detection of Unwanted Visitors
A security camera can help detect unwanted visitors, such as vandals, snoopers, and stalkers. Some cameras are equipped with a spotlight that can help illuminate an intruder and scare them away. In addition, some systems are integrated with smart home products that allow the user to display a livestream on their smart devices. This is especially helpful if a crime occurs and they want to contact authorities quickly.
Modern security camera systems can also use AI and edge-based analytics to scan the environment and identify faces, cars, people, and other objects. This helps them alert users to incidents faster and can reduce the number of false alarms generated by motion or sound detection.
The downside of this is that the technology is more likely to be abused if it’s public or connected to a Wi-Fi network that anyone can access. In these cases, a hacker could gain access to the camera and spy on an unsuspecting person.
For this reason, it’s important to make sure your security camera is only accessed by authorized personnel and that the default password is changed. It’s also a good idea to check your local laws regarding the use of cameras in private places, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
It’s also important to consider how you’ll manage and monitor your cameras. For example, many smart security camera systems can communicate with home automation products like lights, audio/video, door locks and alarm systems. This allows a system to respond to a break-in by turning on lights and locking doors, for instance. It can even notify a monitoring center that someone is on the property, which can speed up police response times.
It’s also important to consider how you’ll power your cameras. Depending on the type of camera you’re considering, there are solar, hardwire, battery and backup power options to choose from. For example, if you’re installing cameras on construction sites, it’s important to look for solutions that integrate with your existing worksite intelligence platforms and deliver solar, hardwire, battery and backup power all in one package. Eyrus offers hybrid-power camera bundles at a great price that integrate with our worksite intelligence platform, and can be powered by solar, battery or hardwire.
Detection of Damage
Having surveillance cameras on site can help you detect damage to your property before it’s too late. However, it’s important to regularly inspect your equipment and ensure that it is functioning properly. If your cameras are showing signs of wear and tear, this could indicate that you need to have a maintenance technician take a look.
One of the first things to check when assessing your security camera system is the clarity of the images it produces. If the footage seems to be blurry or out of focus, this is a sure sign that it’s time for a maintenance check-up.
This can be due to a number of factors, including dust or dirt on the lens, a dirty sensor, or a damaged or broken housing. In addition, it may be a result of a weather event or other environmental factor that’s beyond your control.
Another thing to look for is a distorted image, which can be caused by electrical interference or the light from other equipment. If you notice horizontal lines on your CCTV footage, this is usually caused by interference from a nearby electrical source. If possible, try moving the camera away from this source or relocating it to prevent interference.
It’s also a good idea to check the power supply for your security camera system to make sure it is functioning correctly. An inadequate or damaged power supply can leak interference into the equipment it’s powering, which can cause a variety of problems, including horizontal lines on CCTV footage. Make sure the power supply is properly terminated and has adequate shielding.
Finally, it’s worth checking the camera’s connections and cables for damage or signal interference. Loose or damaged cable connections can lead to video loss, so it’s important to keep them secure and replace them promptly if they become damaged. In addition, it’s a good idea to use weatherproof cables when installing outdoor surveillance systems. Also, make sure that your Wi-Fi network is private to prevent anyone from accessing your camera footage without a password. This can be done by changing the default login credentials to the cameras’ Wi-Fi connection or working with a company that uses a security solution with strong encryption.