CCTV Systems
Does anyone have any experience of using a small scale CCTV system?
Any particular recommendations as to makes of equipment, features which are seen as essential and features to avoid!
What about remote monitoring?
Do you think it is useful as a deterrent to crime? Does it help if you are robbed?
Nick
From my previous experience with a national multiple I offer the following advice
SCT offer a 4 camera system for £479.95+Vat - www.sctltd.co.uk
UK Security Company offer s system from £6.99 per week www.uksecurity.co.uk
Cricklewood Electronics offer a variety of self fit systems from £399.00 www.cctvcentre.co.uk
regards
Ken
In addition to my previous comments
Remote monitoring is good but can be very expensive, you can get a system that you can log into over the web form any pc, this would enable you to spread the load on monitoring and checking the system, naturally these are more expensive than the basic models.
You will need to put up a notice in the store advising the public that the site is being monitored and to whom they should apply if they want see the images.
Ken, thanks very much for your useful comments and internet links (tho' puzzled by which system from SCT you were actually referring to?).
I guess the cameras are the critcal components that determine video quality.
Saw a Maplin DVR which seemed hi spec and reasonable price - http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=389123#specifi - any comments?
The point about a notice and right to see the images had escaped me completely.
Am also asking our local Criume Prevention Officer for his advice.
Nick
I would like to pick up the point about notifying the public about the use of CCTV cameras. Can anyone advise shops on the policies that need to be in place when using recording equipment in a community shop?
Harriet
http://www.cctv-information.co.uk/i/Data_Protection_Act
this will give every chapter and verse on CCTV
regards
Ken
Dear Nick,
Yes - we have just had a new CCTV system put into our shop primarily as a safeguard for the volunteers to make it less likely that there will be a robbery. When you approach the shop you see signs saying that CCTV cameras are in operation 24 hrs/day and the images are recorded and there is a screen bang in front of you as you enter the shop. This screen is divided into 4 pictures and you can see yourself on it at once, from more than one angle (there are 4 cameras). The volunteer can select any of the 4 pictures and double click a mouse beside the till to see just that picture but a good deal bigger.
Frankly we are not particularly fussed about whether any troublemakers are caught, but we are keen not to lose any volunteers who might not be happy to volunteer, if you see what I mean.
I think we paid about £1100 for the whole thing but you would need to speak to Bill tempest who is our treasurer about that and the details/make of equipment.
Yours sincerely, Tim Taylor