Why Traditional CCTV isn’t Effective Anymore

Traditional, non-monitored CCTV has been subject to criticism in recent years. Once seen as a sound security system, the reactive technology is proving unreliable when it comes to crime prevention and criminal prosecution.

Although the UK has more cameras per person than any other country, crimes are still being committed on a daily basis.

So why is traditional CCTV no longer effective? Here are the top 3 key reasons…

1. Traditional CCTV is not a deterrent

In 2008 a study was carried out in San Francisco to determine the effectiveness of CCTV cameras. 59,706 crimes which occurred within 1,000 feet of the CCTV cameras between 2005 and 2008 were examined.

The findings demonstrated that although crimes close to the cameras (within 250 feet of the cameras) dropped, there was a clear spike in the areas 250 – 500 feet of the cameras. This demonstrated that the cameras didn’t deter criminal activity, people just moved further down the street to commit a crime.

This study is key for businesses who just rely on traditional cameras for security. Yes, some may be put off by their presence but others will simply conceal their identity and continue as planned.

2. It is difficult to detect criminals after the crime has been committed

Criminals know in this day and age, a CCTV presence is often a given. They, therefore, pre-empt this and conceal their identities using hats, hoods, masks and any other means of disguise.

Those who don’t aren’t necessarily easy to detect either. Often, an unknown person must take up at least 100% of the screen to be identifiable. Face recognition is therefore not always reliable in a criminal case.

Imagine sifting through hours of footage, after the crime has been committed, only to find that the perpetrators aren’t identifiable.

3. The footage cannot always be used in court

There are strict stipulations that exist when it comes to CCTV being used in court. Nowadays, CCTV cameras must be installed a certain way in order for the footage to be admissible in court.

This is mainly because CCTV is now covered by the Data Protection Act and must adhere to the following:

  • The cameras must not invade anyone else’s privacy
  • Clear signs must be displayed to show that CCTV is in operation
  • The footage must only be used for the purpose in which it was taken
  • The footage must only be kept for as long as necessary.

Failure to comply with any of the above restrictions could deem footage useless in a criminal investigation. If CCTV footage is the only evidence available, a criminal case could easily be jeopardised.

So what’s the solution?

Thanks to technological advancements in recent years, CCTV as we know it has come a long way. At Re:sure, we have developed a proactive CCTV system which prevents crime before it occurs.

Our smart cameras are able to detect unusual activity and intervene, helping to deter criminals before the damage is done.

Using this security system, home and business owners no longer have to sift through hours on CCTV footage after crimes have occurred. Instead, they can rely on our 24/7 security team to intervene with live audio challenges, ensuring the criminals vacate the premises before damage is done.

This system will also alert you, the keyholders and the authorities where necessary. Therefore, real-time action will be taken to prevent criminal activity, unlike traditional CCTV.

Learn more

If you’d like to find out more about how we can create a monitored CCTV system, tailored to your exacting needs, contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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