Are Security Cameras Absolutely Necessary (even during the holidays) ?

 

The holidays are here, but you’d do well to remember that not everyone’s out to play nice- some are out being naughty even during this festive season.

 

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, crimes do receive a high-to-moderate spike during the holidays. So instead of being a little more lax, it’s in our best interest as home and business owners to not forget to protect our properties.

 

A lot of us will be leaving our homes and properties during this busy season of festivities, and there’s no better way for us to secure our homes and properties than with the practical and reliable security camera.

 

In the spirit of an even more peaceful christmas and new year, we gathered up some top-notch recommendations from security experts here and from across the pond, and asked them these questions:

 

• Are security cameras absolutely necessary to keep your home safe?
• What are your simple tips/hacks for home security this coming year?

 

Without further ado, here are the answers from the experts:

 

Damian Marrett, Director of Community Against Crimes has this to answer:

 

Q: Are security cameras absolutely necessary to keep your home safe?

A: There has been much debate relating to the validity of security cameras reducing crime, especially around London. The issue here is that councils around UK that implemented security cameras then reduced other crime prevention resources in those areas. Personal household security cameras have proven to be both proactive and reactive measures in reducing crime in Victoria.

 

Q: What are your simple tips/hacks for home security this coming year?

A: Criminals are like trickles of water - the path of least resistance. Two houses side by side, a criminal will always choose to rob the one without the cameras - Cameras will never be a 100% crime deterrent but will reduce premise selection by criminals and can greatly assist in prosecution after the fact.

 

I am a director of Community Against Crime - we have several Safe Streets that with the use of strategically placed cameras, entire streets are covered. The residents are connected by an App and can monitor each others cameras. Crime in these Safe Streets has been reduced to a bare minimum. Crooks also are becoming aware of these streets through signage and they have become no go zones. Neighbourhood Watch on steroids!

 

Not only homes, but streets like these need security cameras, too.

 

Anthony Macklin, a security and risk management expert from Rampart, imparted to us his invaluable experience and expertise when it comes to keeping properties secure:

 

Q: Are security cameras absolutely necessary to keep your home safe?

A: Security cameras provide a level of deterrence as well as evidence and identification value for law enforcement. As such they reduce the chance of a property being targeted by criminals and offer increased ability for Police to detect and detain offenders thus reducing the overall crime in the area.

 

However, they will not prevent criminals gaining entry to the premises. But consideration needs to be given to the prevailing conditions in your area. For example, if every other house in the street has CCTV and you don’t, whilst you gain some type of “herd immunity” and benefit from your neighbours security systems, in comparison to them your home may appear to be an easier target as you don’t have the same level of security measures in place and hence are more likely to be victimised in comparison to those around you.

 

If you are being targeted or are likely to be targeted by a criminal or other individual then CCTV is essential. It provides not only deterrence but also an ability to detect hostile surveillance and if at home allows you to track offenders trying to gain entry to your home, which can prove to be lifesaving.

 

 

Q: What are your simple tips/hacks for home security this coming year?

 

A:

• If you are going away don’t get someone to check just your mail but ask them to check your perimeter doors as well. Often criminals looking to assess if someone is away will place things on a doorstep, something that people would obviously move out of the way if they were coming and going. If this isn’t detected it is clear that no one is staying in the house
• Be aware of what you post on social media  - listing events that you will be going to or posting photos that you are away is open source information criminals will use to target you
• If you use a taxi, uber or other ride share service to take you to the airport etc, don’t get picked up from your house wait around the corner or at a nearby hub, it will prevent the driver knowing that you will be away for a period of time and sharing that information with their criminal friends
• Don’t make your house look like a fortress. If you go over the top with security, the casual observer may assume you have something inside worth stealing. Use overt and covert security measures combined
• Know your neighbours. Good neighbours will know your activities well enough that they will call the Police when they see something suspicious. If they don’t know you they don’t know what is out of the ordinary.
• Ensure all perimeter doors are solid core external doors. Too often internal doors have been painted and used as exterior doors because they are cheaper, but they are easily penetrated with nothing more than a punch.
• Get stickers that state you have CCTV operating with both audio and video recording on the premises. Place these stickers on prominent points of the building. Even if you don’t have the cameras , with the innumerable covert cameras on the market criminals may choose an apparent easier option that spend time trying to check where the camera may be.
• If you are going to answer the front door lock the back door first. Never underestimate the bold nature of criminals and the art of distraction

 

James Grant from Sustainable Planet shared his thoughts as well:

 

Q: Are security cameras absolutely necessary to keep your home safe?

A: I'd say security cameras are a must for all homes. Not only do you get to keep an eye on your home when you're not there, but it's also a great deterrent for burglars even if it might not be active.

 

Q: What are your simple tips/hacks for home security this coming year?

A: If you can't afford a security camera, I say buy a dummy or knock-off one so at least it looks like you have something keeping a watchful eye.

 

 

Natasha Morgan from MyHomeWatch.com.au added her thoughts here:

 

Q: Are security cameras absolutely necessary to keep your home safe?

A: Yes absolutely, the main benefit of having security cameras in and around your home and business is to increase safety. Criminals are more likely to be detoured when seeing security systems and cameras that are installed and operating.

 

Q: What are your simple tips/hacks for home security this coming year?

A: My TOP TIP: For the best protection residents must invest in a home security system that allows them to actively monitor their home. Protecting themselves from home invasions and break ins should be their main priority. Security tech is now so advanced for under $1000 you can protect your whole home and self monitor your homes activities on your mobile devices. It's my top tip in protecting your home and your valuable assets.

 

There you have it! If you're looking to secure your home this holiday season, one of the best ways to do it is with a security camera. Get yours today here at Elinz to keep it safe at all times- even during this season of festivities!