If you’re thinking of improving your home or business security, burglar alarms and CCTV are two of the most effective deterrents against burglaries. But which is best?
There’s no definite answer to that question as it involves several factors, including the features and level of security you require and your budget.
Burglar alarm or CCTV?
Neither burglar alarms nor CCTV are designed to prevent a burglary. However, their presence and visibility from the street can deter a potential burglar from breaking in. But if the burglar takes a chance and goes ahead, a burglar alarm will be more effective than CCTV. No intruder wants to hang around in a property where an alarm is going off, reducing their opportunity to steal from you or encouraging them to leave as soon as the alarm sounds.
Also, if you have a monitored alarm system connected to an alarm receiving centre, someone will attend the scene promptly, minimising potential loss and damage.
Most CCTV systems are relatively useless once the intruder is inside, as they only record visual footage of what’s happening outside your property. This video evidence might help the police capture the perpetrator after the incident, but it won’t prevent it. The exception is if you have remotely monitored CCTV.
With remote monitoring, the images from your cameras are sent to a receiving centre where professionals detect and monitor suspicious activities at your property. If they detect any unusual activity on your site, they can initiate an appropriate response and hopefully prevent a break-in.
If budget is a factor in your security decision, a burglar alarm is usually cheaper to install than a CCTV system.
For maximum security protection at your home or business, installing an alarm and a CCTV system to work in tandem would be the ideal scenario. However, if you were going to choose a burglar alarm or CCTV, we’d recommend an alarm system to protect your property.
If you’re reviewing your home or business security, we can advise you on the best options and recommend an appropriate system. To receive a no-obligation assessment and quote, please call us on 01392 368830 or email us.