Fun Facts About CCTV Cameras and Surveillance Systems

CCTV cameras are a part of our everyday life. Even if you don’t opt to have a security camera in your home or business, it’s almost impossible to leave your home and move around in the outside world without encountering not just one, but many surveillance camera systems and CCTV security cameras. Have you ever wondered about the facts behind CCTV security and surveillance cameras? Here are some interesting facts and observations you can drop into conversation the next time someone brings up CCTV surveillance.

The surveillance camera was invented by Walter Burch. They’ve been around since 1942, when Siemens, an engineering company, installed the first surveillance system at a rocket launch site in Germany.

It took another 20 years for CCTV camera systems to appear in public use in the United States. That happened in Olean, New York in 1962, when the city installed security cameras in its business district to help prevent crime.

The first industry to adopt the use of CCTV security on a wide basis was – what else – the banking industry. Governments throughout the world use the latest CCTV technology in government buildings and military bases, as well as in any area that is at risk from terrorist attacks, including foreign embassies.

The commercial retail industry adopted security camera systems as a way to prevent theft and vandalism, but many businesses also turn the surveillance on their own employees. Despite the wide use of CCTV surveillance, only about 5 percent of US crimes and 3 percent of UK crimes are solved because of a video surveillance camera.

While most people think of CCTV surveillance as a crime prevention solution, many industries use CCTV camera systems to monitor areas where it is not safe or possible for humans to enter or work. CCTV camera use is prevalent in nuclear power plants, chemical factories and other circumstances where a human would be in danger. One well-publicized use of CCTV camera monitoring is in bomb disposal, where a surveillance camera mounted on a robotic base can give technicians an up close and personal look at a suspected explosive device.

If you drive, you’re likely to encounter at least one traffic surveillance camera in use. Municipalities use them to detect traffic violations, pinpoint areas of congestion and record traffic patterns for traffic planning purposes.

While most people use CCTV camera systems to provide security for their homes and businesses, criminals have been known to use wireless video surveillance camera systems near ATMs to record bank card information and read PINs entered by customers. Some criminals have set up surveillance systems in affluent neighborhoods to record the comings and goings of prospective targets rather than casing the area physically.

If you’re considering a security camera system or CCTV security system for your home or business, research the many options available for your use before making a decision. There have been many developments in the CCTV industry since surveillance cameras first appeared on the scene in 1942.

Top Reasons to Buy CCTV Cameras

If you’ve been considering buying a CCTV surveillance system but aren’t quite convinced, consider these top reasons for buying a CCTV camera and security system.

Economy

The price of CCTV systems have come down in prices astronomically and continue to do so. The demand for security camera systems has increased, drawing in more businesses to compete on the marketplace and driving development. The costs for producing the CCD sensor which is the “eye” of the surveillance camera system have dropped, bringing the price of the cameras and systems down along with them. Today, you can easily purchase a good security camera for $100 or less, or a complete CCTV system for as little as $300.

Evidence

Homeowners and small business owners benefit greatly from security camera systems, which can provide evidence to assist police in solving crimes. Security camera footage can provide the final link to ensure prosecution and conviction of burglars, vandals and thieves. More importantly, a surveillance camera that’s part of a security system allows you to keep watch on your premises even when you’re not there. This can be an important part of discovering theft among employees or customers, or letting you check in on your nanny or babysitter when you’re not there to watch who they interact with your children.

Monitoring

In addition to monitoring your property or home, you can use a security camera to help monitor the area around your home. By mounting a surveillance camera on your garage or a high place on your house or another structure, you can keep your eye on any possible intrusions and head off problems before they happen. For small businesses and neighborhood associations, CCTV monitoring can help with security for the entire neighborhood.

Internet and SmartPhone Access

The latest CCTV security systems allow you to watch your cameras from your iPhone, SmartPhone, iPad or any computer with an Internet connection. The availability of apps that connect to your security camera and DVR makes it easier than ever to keep an eye on things at home. While most people focus on the crime prevention aspect of this, there are other uses as well – checking in on children at home while you’re working, for example, or monitoring a sensitive project, like your cat’s pregnancy.

The low cost of security cameras and CCTV surveillance systems makes it easier than ever for home and business owners to keep an eye on things happening on their property. Take advantage of the new technology to keep your family safe and secure.

Secure the Outdoors by Extending CCTV Security Outdoors

Extending your CCTV systems outdoors can give your home or business an additional layer of security. Many business and home owners use CCTV security systems to provide security for their home interiors, but often stop their security coverage at the front door. If you’ve never considered the importance of adding an outdoor security camera, consider these important aspects of home security.

Deter Burglars with Obvious CCTV Cameras

Burglars, vandals and other mischief makers target homes and businesses where they’re likely to be able to work undisturbed. Statistics show that homes that are protected by a visible CCTV camera are far less likely to be targeted by lawbreakers. Adding an outdoor surveillance camera mounted in a fairly obvious place can discourage would-be burglars and keep your home safer.

Tip: Choose a security camera that’s designed for outdoor use, and enclose it in a security housing to make it harder for burglars to disable it.

Enhance Employee Safety with a Security Camera in the Parking Lot

Employees in restaurants, retail stores and other businesses often park their cars in out-of-the-way remote areas of the parking lot to give customers the more convenient spots. This practice may be good for your business, but it puts your employees’ vehicles – and their safety – at risk. You can make a difference by mounting a CCTV camera to provide surveillance of the employee parking area throughout the day and night. You’ll cut down on vandalism and car theft aimed at employee vehicles and can keep an eye on employees when they walk to their vehicles after closing hours.

Tip: A TPZ security camera with a view of the parking lot will allow you to cover the entire parking lot, including the employee parking area with one camera.

CCTV Monitoring Lowers Your Liability and Reduces Insurance Costs

Insurance companies like security cameras and CCTV systems. CCTV monitoring reduces the chance that a home or business will be targeted by burglars and vandals, and provides visual evidence that the insurance company can make in determining liability when you file a claim. You may even recover the entire cost of a security camera and CCTV system by avoiding one fake slip-and-fall claim against your business or homeowner policy. And since you’re saving them money and reducing your risk, your insurance company will usually return the favor with lower premiums on your property and liability insurance.

Tip: Talk to your insurance company before choosing a CCTV system to find out about discounts available. Their standards may help you make your decision.

Don’t stop your protection at the front door. CCTV systems and outdoor security systems are a cost-effective way of extending your home security to the outdoors.