The Locksmith Series – Part 5
What if you could employ someone to keep an eye on your property – you know, an extra set of eyes 24/7? Well you can. Its called Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Here’s how it works, and what services you can access through your locksmith.
As you know by now we are doing a series on locksmith services – so that you know what services are available to you. Part of the problem with security is not know what options you have. Well no longer. This series is for you.
You can read other parts of the series below:
- 8 Critical Services to Expect from Your Locksmith
- 8 Critical Services to Expect from Your Locksmith — Homes
- 8 Critical Services to Expect from Your Locksmith — Safes
- 8 Critical Services to Expect from Your Locksmith — Access Control
This series will help you wherever you are, and whoever your local locksmith is – and I do encourage you to go local with your locksmith and security systems – there’s extra accountability by being local.
As always, I am very grateful for the excellent information that is being provided by Chubb Alarm Monitoring in NZ, and ARC, consultants, designers and installers of CCTV in Hamilton, NZ.
A well planned and installed surveillance system can prevent and deter illegal activities and provide evidence for investigations or prosecutions.
Chubb Security
A wide range of systems and features are available. From simple, stand-alone, plug and play systems used in small retail outlets, to advanced high definition digital and network video recorder systems that can cater for your needs and requirements.
Broadsword Security Services suggest that there are several advantages to having CCTV.
1. DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
This is the biggest and most recognised benefit for those who choose to add CCTV systems to their property. Outside of being able to monitor your premises, CCTV cameras are an excellent deterrent for burglars.
Studies have found that using CCTV in car parks resulted in a 51% decrease in crime; in public transportation areas a 23% decrease in crime; and in public settings, a 7% decrease in crime. Even the lowest figure, 7%, is a significant improvement.
2. IMPROVED HOME INSURANCE RATES
By deterring criminal activity, CCTV security systems reduce your home and property insurance costs. You are less of a target, so the risk is lowered, which means the price of your insurance decreases too.
As well as being less of a target, CCTV offers evidence towards insurance claims that you may not have had otherwise.
Broadsword Security Services
3. PEACE OF MIND
A camera system provides people with an increased sense of security and reassurance, particularly in areas where the crime rate is high.
Many of the more sophisticated models are wireless, meaning they can be viewed and monitored from your smartphone or tablet.
4. COST-EFFECTIVE
A CCTV system is a cost-effective form of security. Once the system has been installed they are very easy to maintain and require little reparations.
Video Surveillance and CCTV
Paessler describe CCTV as closed-circuit television and is commonly known as video surveillance. “Closed-circuit” means broadcasts are usually transmitted to a limited (closed) number of monitors, unlike “regular” TV, which is broadcast to the public at large. CCTV networks are commonly used to detect and deter criminal activities, and record traffic infractions, but they have other uses.
CCTV technology was first developed in 1942 by German scientists to monitor the launch of V2 rockets. It was later used by American scientists during the testing of the atomic bomb.
What is involved?
A traditional CCTV system comprises:
- One or more cameras (analog or digital), each with a lens equipped with an image sensor
- A recorder – Either a standard video tape recorder for analog systems, or a Direct Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) for digital systems
- Cables – Either RJ45 for digital or coaxial for analog
- One or more monitors to which the images are transmitted
- A camera records images through the lens using image sensors.
- These images (and often audio too) are transmitted to the recorder or tape, either wirelessly or by cable. Recorders may use analytical software and other smart technologies to scan the data and send automated alerts to either humans, or other systems and devices. This Video Management Software (VMS) records, stores and analyzes video feeds. The software is often self-learning, using machine learning (ML) algorithms that utilize functionality like motion detection, face recognition, people counting, etc.
- Monitor(s) can be passively (through software) or actively (by people) monitored. CCTV networks can, and should, themselves be monitored.
Security Tool for Business and Home Owners
According to ARC, CCTV business owners use CCTV as a deterrent to stop break-ins with the idea that if intruders did break-in they would be identified, caught and prosecuted. This premise has not changed but security surveillance camera and recording technology has changed dramatically.
High Resolution and Powerful Features
The video image resolution of cameras has improved so dramatically that Full High Definition 1080p is now mainstream.
ARC Security and Automation
High definition pictures retain their clarity even when zoomed in to view specific detail. This clarity is retained whether viewing live images or reviewing a recording.
Some clients need high resolution IP cameras, but there are also options for license plate (LP) cameras, face recognition cameras to pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras.
CCTV Recording Devices
The NVR is normally set to only record when it detects movement via the security cameras.
The network video recorders (NVR’s), have improved dramatically to store the vast amounts of high resolution video images that are generated by the IP cameras. ARC usually allow 1TB of HDD storage capacity for each IP camera that they install, which provides about a month’s video storage depending on use.
All the video images are stored on the NVR’s hard drive/s by day, date and time for easy and fast access. Recorded images can be adjusted for backlight, contrast etc to give the best possible picture. Date and time stamping on each camera feed is a standard feature. You can conveniently view live and recorded video images via a Full HD (1080p resolution) colour monitor, which is connected directly to the NVR by a HDMI cable.
The NVR offers superior search capabilities via the Internet or LAN so that you can remotely view live or recorded video images stored on the NVR from any password protected PC, Laptop or iPad via your existing Internet connection. A free App can also be downloaded for remote viewing on your Smartphone.
To ensure the CCTV electronic equipment (IP cameras, PoE switch and NVR) is protected from power fluctuations and to provide some power backup for the system in the event of a mains power failure, it is recommended that clients have an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) installed.
Because a CCTV Security Camera system is by nature security device/tool, your locksmith should install the NVR, PoE switch to power the IP cameras and the NVR in a lockable wall mounted cabinet positioned in a secure part of the client’s business premises.
Next week we will look at what happens when you get locked out. Stay tuned!