CCTV, together with appropriate signage, can provide a good deterrent to intruders. The CCTV system may be subject to the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Guidelines on using surveillance cameras in public places. The Surveillance Camera Code of Practice and further information is available at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/surveillance-camera-commissioner 

CCTV cameras should provide images of recognition quality and should be positioned in such a way that site lighting does not interfere with picture quality. Refer to the Home Office Operational Requirements Manual for CCTV at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cctv-guidance

Do you require a monitored system or motion activated cameras that will provide an alert if movement is detected on site. There are many options that allow you to view the property in real time.

A CCTV system should be designed to cover vulnerable areas at relevant times, such as the need for infra-red technology to record nighttime activity

If the CCTV system is intended for prosecution, it should have a recording and storage capability of 31 days, using a format that is acceptable to the police for evidential purposes

The design of the CCTV system should be co-ordinated with the lighting system to ensure that the quality of lighting is sufficient to support it

In high crime areas, cameras may need protection within vandal-resistant housings

Larger sites may benefit from an Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) enhancement to the CCTV system. This is an effective way to manage vehicles coming onto site and monitoring any unauthorised vehicles that may attempt to enter.

The CCTV cameras including the housing must be regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure that the quality of the images are not inhibited. This could be the removal of a spider’s web or ensuring that moisture is not infiltrating the camera so that remedial measures can be undertaken.

Finally, ensure that suitable signage is in place warning that CCTV is in operation, this will assist in deterring criminals.