Video security is used worldwide often as a catch-all system; whether it’s to capture thieves on film,or to act as a deterrent against potential break-ins. Upping your security is always worthwhile if you have valuables on your property or a business which houses expensive equipment. Data protection is just one key consideration with many companies that may house personal data on their premises.
However, as effective as security footage can be at helping law enforcement to catch thieves, it is often too relied upon to protect businesses and the train of thought becomes one of total reliance, especially when it is used in court proceedings. But there are flaws with these systems and they are also dependent on correct placement, regular software updates being carried out and timely maintenance, among many other considerations.
With security such a hot topic everywhere and technology meeting the demands of an ever-growing concerned public surrounding issues of safety and security, we take a look at the pitfalls and common errors which can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of those security systems.
Outside Interference
Most businesses would place their cameras externally, most likely pointing from the front doors or entrance of the building to ensure you capture the day to day coming and goings of visitors. Although this is common and still a recommended placement for security camera systems for most properties, you should also consider that many burglars would avoid entering at the front of the property and would look for alternative, easier routes into the building. This isn’t always the case (think ram-raiding for example) but the temptation to go in from the front will always be trumped by the unlocked window at the side or the less than secure side door, which beckons from the darker, un-monitored areas of your property.
Positioning your cameras is key and common mistakes can cause problems later on, particularly in court proceedings.
The Right Advice
There are some absolute no-nos in security setups but the basics include:
- Not to place too near a tree or bush which could inadvertently cover or limit the view from the recording
- Not to have cameras installed too low, so as to be damaged or deactivated by the criminal and prevent footage from being taken
- Not to have the cameras too high. The cameras will only have a certain amount of angle to pointing downwards and you may miss capturing the perpetrators face altogether
- Not to choose the wrong camera type and lens – a wide angle will limit available detail in the footage itself but will give you less need for more cameras
- Don’t forget the lighting – reflections can be problematic and again, it’s another hurdle you’ll face from the defence if you ever take the footage to court. Without clarity and clear detail you will struggle to get a conviction and changing light conditions, from nearby lampposts or traffic or security lights even, can be an issue if not taken into account.
How to do it Right
Enter Here
Entry points are always the number one consideration for burglars and they should be for you too, when placing security cameras. As we mentioned, front doors are generally tested by criminals but if there are cameras covering the area, they will move on. The alternatives are side doors, back doors, loose windows or unlocked windows and basement entry points.
You need to decide where the most vulnerable points of entry will be on your property and review how many cameras you need. Many property owners opt for two core operating cameras at the front and back and then use dummy cameras at the other areas to deter trespassers. Some owners even use dummy cameras for 95% of their security options but this is a risk which can sometimes backfire.
Placement
It’s crucial that you place the cameras correctly according to your property’s layout. Avoid bushes and trees which can cause obstruction in the footage, set them at the correct height so as to angle them properly for the best coverage and choose the right area with consideration of the surrounding lighting. Avoid lampposts and traffic areas or security lighting already in place that could cause reflections or blurring.
Deterrents
Deterrents to criminals do work. Perfect examples include wheel locks for cars, alarm boxes and even “Beware of the dog” signs in the front window. Criminals generally will take the path of least resistance when it comes to break-ins and this is because often they are crimes of opportunity. A window left open, or a door unlocked or valuables on display can all be triggers for a break-in but security deterrents are worth considering, such as signage about alarms, or dummy cameras in prominent positions (unless you are able to actually install proper cameras which is always the preference).
Buildings with multiple floors are generally safer because most break-ins happen on the first floor or basement. But with correct lighting, visible deterrents such as camera systems and obvious signage, this should sway would-be criminals away from your property.
Taking it to Court (What to Consider)
Seen as “a lock” when it comes to convictions, video footage is anything but a guarantee of prosecution. Aside from tricky defence lawyers who will use everything they can to claim why the footage doesn’t show their client breaking into your property, the footage needs to be as detailed as possible and the truth is, it is rarely detailed enough in many cases.
This isn’t the fault of the camera systems necessarily, or even those installing it. The fact is that security cameras have changeable lighting and weather conditions to contend with as well as a subject that will likely do everything they can to avoid being detected clearly. Some of the biggest errors which contribute to a case being thrown out of court (pertaining to security video footage) are simple things which could be avoided.
Quality
This can impact the ability of a court to be able to see the suspect clearly enough to provide certainty that it is that person. The defence only has to create reasonable doubt and there’s nothing that causes doubt easier than fuzzy, low quality resolution footage. This can be affected by a lack of setup on the user’s part, if settings haven’t been set to the highest quality (including 4k or at last 1080p) and also if colour options are switched off and low resolution default settings are enabled instead, in order to save hard drive space.
Investing in more hard drive space is recommended, with as much as you can afford. And changing the settings to the highest quality (or investing in the best quality available) is highly recommended, in order to avoid quality issues should the worst happen and your property is targeted.
Time Stamp Error
Time stamp errors are definitely one of the biggest problems that can arise in court proceedings when it comes to security footage. This is usually because often, many systems may have the incorrect time stamp on the footage. As evidence this can cause a problem as the defence can just use this to show that their client has an alibi or proof they were somewhere else at that incorrect time. All because of user input error or lack of maintenance on the system.
Usually, most systems now allow for remote management of the recording function so that elements such as time stamp settings and quality settings can be changed remotely via tablet or phone, with very little fuss. Raw footage is best when it has the correct time stamp on because it will show it has been unedited too.
These are the main pitfalls of security setups and as security installers we know how devastating a break-in can be whether it’s to a business property or your home. So make sure even with your security system set, that you aren’t falling foul to these mistakes and employing simple fixes which could save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
For advice and further support on security setup and maintenance, as well as getting the most out of your system and operating it as efficiently as possible, call us or email us today.
