There are a number of pros and cons of having surveillance cameras that you should weigh up before installing surveillance at your home or business.
Some of the benefits:
- Crime Prevention: One of the greatest benefits to having security cameras is its ability to stop crime before it happens. Having surveillance cameras, coupled with CCTV signage will deter criminals; preventing theft, vandalism and other crimes.
- Gathering Evidence: If a crime is committed on your property, having surveillance cameras can be used by the authorities to gather evidence, find the culprit of the crime and be used in court.
- Remote Monitoring: Your security cameras can be used to monitor your property even when you are elsewhere. With modern IP cameras, you can easily connect your security system to your phone or email and get notified when motion is detected. This makes it quicker to notify local authorities when a crime is being committed.
- Reduction in costs: Despite the initial upfront costs, surveillance cameras can save you money in the long run. For example, CCTV can reduce the need for human, onsite surveillance and insurance premiums are often lower when you have security cameras.
Despite the advantages of surveillance cameras, there are also some downsides.
- Privacy: The issue of privacy in regard to security cameras have long been debated. If you install security cameras at your business premises you may make your employees or even your customers uncomfortable. You will also need to check your local laws to make sure you are not violating any privacy laws. Some countries are more strict than others and may require you to undergo specialised training in order to use security cameras.
- Upfront costs: Security camera systems especially more modern devices such as IP cameras, can be quite expensive. If you have a large property in need of surveillance, you will have to purchase a lot of cameras to ensure proper coverage not to mention of cost of installation.
- Vulnerable to abuse: Security cameras have been used for illicit activities such as blackmail or voyeurism. Surveillance cameras can also be hacked by cybercriminals and used to collect your business or customers’ private information.