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Is using CCTV in the home, quite as straightforward as you think?
If you're thinking of using CCTV in your home, what could be easier?
Well, before we take a look at the technology available, let's just take a brief moment to consider some of the more important 'operational' considerations.
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Hopefully, the complete re-design and improvements, should be completed by early 2010.
There is a saying that "an Englishmans home is his castle", but the reality in this day and age, is that no matter how well you try and protect your stately pile, someone may well have other ideas on the subject.
Before you can decide on how best to apply CCTV, the first important steps are to have a think about what you intend to do, and perhaps more importantly, why?; and don't forget, CCTV should rarely if ever be considered as the 1st line of defence. As a complimentary technique, make sure that all your appropriate security measures (good locks, a secure perimeter, alarms, lighting, cute little doggies! etc.) are in place, reviewed and maintained on a regular basis.
There are lot's of reasons for using CCTV, although some of the more popular, are generally speaking the easiest to accommodate.
Perhaps you want to keep an eye on the area immediately outside of the property, or at the front door; if someone is 'hanging around', it may not be sensible to go out blindly. CCTV can give a clear indication of whether the area is clear, provided of course the camera has an unobstructed view - if there are any large bushes, trees or even vehicles for that matter blocking the cameras coverage, it may be worth taking steps to open up the area being monitored, just to be on the safe side.
If you want to deter any unwanted visitors, you could consider fitting highly visible cameras on the outside of the property, but be aware though that in some situations, using CCTV as a deterrent can often create more problems than it solves; there's more on this topic later on.
Should you want to obtain evidential recordings of problem neighbours or vandals it's often best to use completely covert (hidden) or highly discreet cameras. This technique is perhaps the single most effective way to prove the identity and actions of a few miserable miscreants, although it does need to be used correctly, both to ensure legal admissability, and also to prevent the risk of any existing problems escalating in the form of retaliation.
If you want to keep an eye on any children or pets, this is a nice easy, practical and low cost way to enhance general safety around the home.
Doktor Jon is acutely aware from experience, that the enormous range of properties which people live in, can each create their own unique set of problems.
Whilst it is easy to lay down some simple ground rules, the fact is that circumstances can often change just with neighbouring properties, much less homes in different towns, countries or even continents.
