With so many CCTV camera offers flooding the Internet, when you’re looking to tighten up your commercial or personal security it can be tempting to bag a bargain.

But are these low-price steals as good of a deal as they seem? Can a cheap CCTV camera ever really help to safeguard your home from intrusion? Will their technical specifications live up to your expectations and, more importantly, meet your needs?

When it comes to your security, it is often a case of you get what you pay for. It could be that a self-installed low-cost security camera does do the trick, but it is true they are in no way comparable to CCTV systems that are sourced and installed professionally.

Before adding that CCTV discount deal to your basket, be sure to think through the necessities and essentials. Be savvy when shopping for security equipment to ensure you select the most effective, efficient and suitable option. As a heads up, here are four points to consider:

1 – How equipped are you for the CCTV installation?

Camera specifics and technical jargon aside, it is no use purchasing a cheap CCTV camera for self-installation if you are unable to set-up the system.

While it may seem straightforward, especially in the case of new wireless cameras, expertise is often essential. Logistical aspects such as CCTV placement and adjustment to picture quality can make all the difference when it matters.

2 – Where can it go?

Much low-cost CCTV camera equipment is intended for use indoors. If you require a system for external use, it is imperative that your choice of camera is resistant to adverse weather conditions of all kinds and any tampering.

Without professional guidance, your bargain DVR could be little more than an advanced baby monitor.

3 – Where has it been?

Imported CCTV equipment is often priced much lower than high-quality products that are sourced from established firms. Cheap security equipment does not usually guarantee a satisfactory picture nor high performance.

In the case that you do choose to have your system sourced and installed professionally, always be mindful of the equipment costs involved. This often reflects the quality of the CCTV.

4 – Have you checked the spec?

Your bargain find may well be advertised as a CCTV, but is it actually that?

Much of the cost involved with security systems is due to the digital video recorder. Professionally sourced DVRs will always include a hard drive, which stores your recording for a set period. Cheap systems often do not offer this facility. Users often view unrecorded footage online or from SD cards, which can quickly run out of memory or even be stolen from the device itself.

Check that picture quality too. HD doesn’t always mean HD. Look for at least 1080p. Anything less and it’s likely your footage couldn’t be used as evidence in the case of criminal activity.

Mint Security Systems provides a wide array of security solutions to businesses across many different fields with each one facing their own individual security challenges.

A recent job carried out on behalf of RRK Van Sales in Worksop saw us installing a robust security system with multiple elements factored in. Working alongside the company, we designed and then implemented a system which included CCTV, perimeter detection and a burglar alarm system. With this new system in place, RRK Van Sales now has everything needed to safeguard its premises and its stock and keep the business safe and secure around the clock.

The Problem
RRK Vans moved into their new Worksop site in April and wanted to improve the existing inadequate on-site security.

They contacted Mint Security and outlined the sort of protection they needed. We conducted a site visit and worked with them to recommend a system that would give the required level of protection, be futureproofed and convenient in light of day-to-day use.

The Security Solution
With RRK Vans wanting a remotely-monitored CCTV and alarm system for their Worksop site, Mint Security Solutions quickly got to work designing an HD CCTV system. Monitoring the site 24-hours a day, the CCTV feeds connect to an approved NSI security station. What this means for RRK Vans is the knowledge that their site is always under an expert, watchful eye. But that’s not all.

RRK Vans were also concerned about intrusion onto the site, and so we installed external grade movement detectors in critical areas. When the movement detectors activate after business hours, the sensors take an instant screenshot. Screenshots stream to the monitoring station and, if warranted, the security station can then access the on-site cameras for a closer look. If there is an intruder, the security station can issue a verbal challenge and, if required, contact the local police and nominated keyholders.

We also installed a Grade 2 intruder alarm system for the sales office, teamed with a Grade 4 DualCom system for monitoring purposes. The client can also access all these features from their smartphone and even issue their own verbal challenges. One unexpected benefit for RRK Vans has been the added benefit of seeing which vehicles customers are most interested in when perusing the lot – so security has more benefits than just keeping a site safe!

The Mint Security team was recenlty contacted by HTC Wolffkran following issues on a worksite in Sheffield.

HTC were suffering from repeated intrusions onto their site, with thieves targeting armoured crane cabling after gaining access through a perimeter fence. These thefts were costing the company a great deal of money and holding up vital work, so HTC Wolffkran needed a solution.

The Problem
Working on a large-scale site just off the M1 in Sheffield, HTC Wolffkran had multiple cranes on-site and had been experiencing a string of break-ins. The primary target of these incursions was expensive armoured cables which was repeatedly removed from the firm’s cranes.

The thefts created a costly, problem not just because these armoured cables are very valuable – hence their targeting – but because the loss of the cable was having a negative impact on the progress of the project. There is dedicated security in-situ, but with such a large space to cover, additional security measures were needed to more effectively safeguard the heavy plant and expensive equipment. That’s where we came in.

The CCTV Solution
Speaking to site management, we worked together to design a system that would provide total site coverage – day and night.

As we always do, the Mint Security team worked closely with the client to understand their site, its vulnerabilities and use patterns. We then recommended suitable camera options, optimal CCTV placement and additional security features to make the site as safe as possible.

The result of this planning was an interconnected system of ten full HD speed dome CCTV cameras, with a constant connection to the on-site security lodge. Now, in crystal clear HD quality, the security staff can fully control and move the cameras on demand for full 360-degree site coverage. This enables security to keep a very close eye on all parts of the site, paying particular attention to the perimeter fences thieves were using to gain access.

Because the site needs particular protection and vigilance during the night time hours, we installed cameras with clear night vision. This cutting-edge technology now gives the Sheffield site security staff a 150-metre night vision CCTV view over the entire site.

The security staff and management now have the tools they need to not only see the intruders onto their site but also to pinpoint where they are at any given time. This means a safer worksite, vastly improved security and enormous savings for HTC Wollfkran – and the project can move ahead smoothly once again.

At Mint Security, we often find that smaller, out-of-the-way premises are big targets for intruders. Whether it’s the seclusion of the site or the usually less than robust security measures in place, venues like sporting clubs are easy pickings for burglars and vandals.

This was the case for Retford Cricket Club, who found themselves in need of a CCTV solution to safeguard their premises. We quickly worked to assess their needs during a site visit and determined the best CCTV option for the site. As a result, the club and its facilities are now more secure than ever.
The Problem
Retford Cricket Club, like most sports teams, is in a secluded spot and found itself the target of repeated break-ins and malicious damage. For smaller sports clubs with low budgets, the loss of equipment and damage to facilities can have a massive impact, and the club secretary was anxious to have a robust solution in place.

Retford Cricket Club contacted Mint Security to help them mitigate the impact of vandals and thieves, and we quickly suggested an HD CCTV system. We worked with Retford Cricket Club to diagnose the best, most comprehensive camera coverage for the site and immediately got to work.

The CCTV System
Working hand-in-hand with the club secretary, we travelled to Retford to install the club’s new CCTV system.

When we were discussing options with the club secretary, he mentioned that he wanted to be able to see what was going on at the club at all times. We agreed this was a good idea and so suggested an HD CCTV system with remote monitoring for total peace of mind. The club secretary can connect to the CCTV system at any time and see just what is going on, with a monitoring centre set-up and on the alert for unexpected activity.

Concerning peace of mind, we felt that this was the right way to go and, with the club secretary always in the loop – no matter the time of day or night – Retford Cricket Club would be well protected.

Long-term, this will mean a considerable reduction in criminal and anti-social activities on the site and enable Retford Cricket Club to enjoy a far higher level of security. For everyone involved in the club, the site is now a much safer, more inviting place to be and, if they have recurring issues in the future, they know they have a system to catch the perpetrators.

Whilst everyone wants to live in harmony with nature, pesky spider webs can be quite damaging to the picture quality of your CCTV camera, causing distortion and obscuring the image. Here’s our quick guide to keeping your CCTV cameras spider-free…

The trouble with spider webs

Anyone with a CCTV system will be familiar with the common issue of spider webs appearing across the lens. Security engineers and homeowners alike have all complained about spider webs, and as an additional issue, spiders can also trigger intruder alarms and cause clients to have much explaining to do to their neighbours after yet another false alarm! CCTV cameras operate at a very slightly warm running temperature, which  attracts insects like spiders. Thankfully, there are ways to help keep them away. These range from old wives tales to more comprehensive solutions, and will probably require a little trial and error on the part of the property owner to see what works best for them.

Poison the spiders

This is obviously the least eco-friendly solution to your spider problem, and many people will take issue with getting rid of them in this way. Not only do spiders contribute to the eco-system in significant ways, but they are a living creature, after all. Yet if they are causing a big problem, you may find your only solution is insecticide. It can be very effective at dealing with this specific problem, with a range of insecticides on the market to help you handle spiders who decide to take up residence on your security system. Some products will kill spiders who are sprayed directly, but the same products can often also be used as a deterrent, which could help to keep your cameras vision vlear. Use these products with caution,
particularly if you have children or pets.

Deny them entry

Making the surfaces of your camera too slippery for spiders to take hold is a more ecologically-sound way of handling the problem, but it can be surprisingly efficient, too. This can be easily achieved with a dab of Vaseline on the casing of your security kit, but you should check with your installer and any maintenance professionals first, to ensure you aren’t applying to areas which could heat up and cause damage to the system – or cause the person handling the kit to smear the mixture on lens by accident.

Use strong scents

Some scents are notorious for deterring spiders – and could provide an easy way to get rid of this pest without causing any harm to the environment. Spiderex and citronella oil are known to be particularly effective, so why not soak a cloth in scented oil and attach it to your security system? Otherwise, you could simply add a few drops of the oil to the camera equipment itself, but be careful to avoid placing directly on the lens or this could obscure the image.

Buy Spiderex here

Whichever method you choose, it will need to be continually reassessed to ensure ongoing
effectiveness.

Keeping on top of current UK legislation surrounding home security systems can feel like an uphill struggle, but thankfully help is at hand! We are frequently asked about the factors homeowners need to consider when it comes to their home security – so here’s our quick roundup of all you should know to ensure compliance with the latest UK law.

Can I install home security?
In short, yes. Everyone has the right to protect their property by legal means – and installing home CCTV is one such method of doing just that. It has become increasingly commonplace to see CCTV installed on domestic and residential properties, as homeowners become increasingly aware of their options. You will want to pay close attention to the CCTV systems available to you, so you can ensure you install the correct one.

What about privacy law?
Certainly, when deciding where you position your security camera, you will need to carefully consider where you place the CCTV. As a general rule, as long as you are only using the cameras to monitor your own property, you will experience no legal problems with your CCTV usage. Problems arise if you are streaming images and making them publicly accessible, even nominally – as this contravenes the Data Protection Act 1998 unless you have registered as a data controller with the ICO, at a cost of £35 each year. Many of the latest CCTV systems also come with the ability to record audio, which can be considered particularly intrusive for those seeking to safeguard their privacy.

How do I ensure compliance?
Most home security systems will naturally record video from beyond the borders of your own property. This is an unavoidable consequence of living in a residential area – but could cause problems if you’re not careful. You should only ever use your footage for security purposes, and only retain any recorded  footage for as long as it is truly needed, as well as ensuring you never share the footage with third parties. This rule is significantly softened in the case of CCTV footage which has recorded a crime in progress. In this instance, you are well within your rights to retain the footage for detection and prosecution purposes, as well as sharing it with the police and any other associated authorities pertinent to your case. Most importantly of all, you must ensure you indicate through signage that you are using CCTV – not only will this act as a criminal deterrent, but it will keep you within the law.

Understanding CCTV regulations
Legal compliance is far simpler than you might think, and simply requires a little forethought about the kind of camera kit you choose, where you place it and how you signpost its usage. If in doubt, contact a security company like Mint Security who will be able to advise you on the best methods and tech to help you stay on top of all the necessary legalities.