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CCTV for Flats – Where are they used and why?

As compared to detached houses, flats have a lower risk of being burgled and broken into. Why is that so?

It’s because burglars and intruders look for easy targets and the way that flats are built, with fewer access points and more passers-by to notice unusual behaviour, it makes them relatively difficult to break into.

This, however, in no way means that you should ignore the importance of security in your flats. You must always stay on top of your home security and take the appropriate measures to prevent burglars from entering your flat or apartment.

Other than theft, intrusions, and burglaries, there are various other complaints that flat owners have, all of which can be rectified by restricting unauthorised access.

Taking basic steps such as keeping the flats locked up and monitoring all the main areas for any unusual behaviour can significantly minimise security threats.

One such security measure is the use of CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras that allow you to view live and recorded footage of all areas inside the building.

Read on to find out where they are used in flats, how they can be of benefit to flat owners, and laws and regulations for using them in communal areas:

WHERE TO INSTALL CCTV CAMERAS IN FLATS?

When choosing where to install CCTV cameras, you need to thoroughly assess the property along with the security risks that it faces.

Some may be more prone to break-ins than others, some may face challenges when it comes to restricting access, while some may be looking for solutions to curb vandalism.

Whatever the case, there are certain prime locations for CCTV cameras that all flat owners can benefit from. They include:

Car parks

Car theft is always on the rise and because car parks in flats and apartment blocks are further away from the main accommodation, usually in a remote location, it puts the residents’ and visitors’ vehicles at risk.

Also, if not properly monitored, these car parks can be misused by illegally parking and taking up space intended for the residents and tenants of the building.

In poorly lit car parks, there is also the threat of other criminal offences such as kidnapping and murder.

Installing CCTV cameras in car parks will allow the flat owners and managers to always keep an eye on what is happening out there, making the residents feel safer and less vulnerable to criminals.

Stairs and lifts

Deserted stairs in flats and apartment blocks can be disconcerting, especially during the night. The lack of security measures, coupled with a lack of witnesses, makes empty stairs an easy target for thieves.

CCTV cameras can help reassure residents that someone is watching over them at all times and also deter criminals from considering committing a crime there.

Lifts are also another great place to fit CCTV cameras, mainly due to security reasons but also to make sure that no one is trapped inside, especially during emergencies such as a fire.

Communal entrances and exits

CCTV cameras installed above the communal entrance and exit doors can allow the flat owners to see who is entering and leaving the premises at all times.

This can be extremely beneficial for minimising unauthorised access and coupled with keyless access control systems, it can really reinforce security around the flats.

For smaller flats and apartment blocks, CCTV cameras can also be used by residents to view the caller before opening the door for them. This can be extremely helpful for elderly residents and women who live alone.

Boundary

When securing your flats, you need to start from the outside by reinforcing the boundary. There is so much that can be done and installing CCTV cameras is one of them.

CCTV cameras around the perimeter will allow you to view the exterior of the building and prevent intruders from trying to gain access by climbing over the boundary.

Perimeter protection can also be very useful for residents living on ground-floor flats and who need to be a little extra careful with their security as compared to other residents living on top-floors.

Outbuildings

Some flats have outside storage areas or communal sheds, and if that is the case, they will also have to be secured using CCTV monitoring.

These places are prone to attracting loiterers and antisocial behaviour at night, which is why it is necessary to put them under constant surveillance as well.

BENEFITS OF CCTV SYSTEMS FOR FLATS

CCTV security systems provide several benefits to flat owners and landlords that include:

Deterring crime

CCTV cameras are one of the most effective crime deterrents out there and with advancements in technology, their demand has increased all around the world with an estimated one billion CCTV cameras on the world’s streets by the end of 2021.

Criminals actively avoid targeting properties with CCTV cameras since it plays against their biggest ally; stealth. No one would want to commit a felony and get caught on camera, and this holds for all kinds of criminals including burglars, intruders, and vandals.

Monitoring and recording

Have you ever wondered what makes CCTV cameras such effective security measures? They can monitor and record every single instance in their field of view.

CCTV footage can be used as legitimate evidence in the court of law and help the perpetrators get caught quickly and easily, which is why sometimes the mere sight of a CCTV camera is enough to scare the criminals away.

Professional CCTV monitoring is ideal for large flats and apartment blocks, especially those located in isolated areas.

Monitored alarms provide the highest level of security where the cameras are monitored by professionals at an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) who contact the relevant people or authorities right away in the event of an unusual activity being detected.

Increased value of the building

When looking for a place to buy or rent, safety and security are two of the most important things that people look for.

Investing in security systems such as CCTV cameras increases the value and enhances the security ratings of the property.

People are more likely to move into and invest in a property where the appropriate measures have been taken to ensure their safety. They are also more likely to recommend it in their social circle.

Reduced insurance premiums

Since the presence of CCTV cameras reduces the risk of being targeted by criminals, most insurers offer reductions in insurance premiums for people having such systems in place.

The discounts and offers might vary between insurers, which is why you must choose your insurers very carefully and thoroughly go through your policy papers every year reading all the fine print to protect yourself from future calamities.

Safety and security

CCTV cameras don’t just minimise crime but also improve the residents’ quality of life by providing them with a feeling of safety and security.

The constant fear of being targeted and your flat being broken into can have serious implications on your mental well-being.

You need to feel safe in your home at all times, focusing on what matters the most. CCTV cameras enhance the confidence level of residents and tenants and provide them with a comfortable and stress-free environment.

TYPES OF CCTV FOR FLATS

The market for CCTV cameras has evolved over the years with newer models boasting advanced features such as remote monitoring, facial recognition, and audio communication.

Previously, there were just a few types of CCTV systems to choose from but now, you have more choices than you can even think of!

For flats and apartments, you need to choose a CCTV camera depending on where you wish to install it and for what purpose exactly.

There are different types of CCTV cameras made for specific purposes. The most popular ones include:

  • Bullet CCTV cameras – one of the most common types of CCTV cameras in the world, their recognisable look makes them a highly visible deterrent against burglaries and intrusions. They are ideal for outdoor use and in applications that require long-distance viewing.
  • Dome CCTV cameras – another very popular choice that gets its name from the vandal-resistant dome-shaped casing that the camera sits in. They have a discreet shape making it difficult to see which way they are facing and allow wider angles to be monitored via 360-degree rotation of the camera.
  • C-Mount CCTV cameras – bulkier in size and come in a rugged casing that protects them from harsh weather conditions. They have detachable lenses that can be switched to adapt to the distance and field of view without losing focus.
  • PTZ Pan/Tilt/Zoom CCTV cameras – can pan sideways, tilt up and down, zoom in and out of objects, and can adjust the right angle of the camera to record the area of interest. They allow more control over what is being monitored and are the ideal choice for remote monitoring.
  • Day/Night CCTV cameras – built to effectively work during both the day and night-time, regardless of the lighting conditions. They are ideal for places that require round-the-clock outdoor CCTV monitoring.
  • Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras – use infrared technology to record images and videos in absolute darkness. They can also withstand fog, dust, and smoke, and record coloured footage during the daytime while capturing black and white footage during the night.
  • Network/IP CCTV cameras – connected over a network that allows both the live and recorded footage to be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet. They are the best choice for remote monitoring and allow storing archived footage on network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs).
  • Wireless CCTV cameras – made for the sole purpose of minimising the installation time and use of excess wires for a cleaner appearance. Due to their discreet appearance, they easily blend in with the surroundings working as a hidden deterrent and are ideal for situations where good presentation is key and the display of excess wires might ruin the aesthetics.
  • High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras – come in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p going all the way up to 4K, delivering high-quality images with zooming capabilities. They are particularly useful in high-risk areas where the foot traffic needs to be monitored closely and the perpetrators need to be easily identified and caught using the recorded footage.

CCTV LAWS FOR FLATS

If used within the confines of your private domestic property, there are no such rules that apply when installing CCTV cameras.

Flats and apartment blocks are not regular domestic properties and differ from detached houses in that the former have communal areas shared by all residents, tenants, and visitors of the building.

Therefore, to ensure that there is no misuse of the recording equipment and no breach of privacy, there are certain Data Protection Laws that all flat owners must adhere to.

For blocks of flats where a third-party, usually a management company, is managing the CCTV security systems, the footage is the property of the data controller, which in this case is the management company.

The residents may ask to see the footage and they can do so through a formal request only. They have to contact the managing agent and send in a written request allowing access.

For flats with their own formal managing committee, a CCTV policy and data processing agreement can be put in place to allow certain individuals to view the footage or a data processing agreement can be put in place between the managing agent (the data controller) and the committee (the data processors) to allow these members access to the CCTV footage.

When installing CCTV cameras in communal areas you need to establish clear responsibilities and procedures for the effective administration of the surveillance system.

You must ensure that the data is stored securely and can only be accessed by authorised personnel. The cameras must not be installed in private areas and you must inform everyone that they are being recorded, which can best be achieved by putting up clear signage or communicating with the people involved.

PROFESSIONAL CCTV SERVICES FOR FLATS

At Calder Security, we understand the best practices and the laws related to using CCTV cameras in flats and apartments.

We offer a comprehensive range of solutions that include professional CCTV installation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair. Our expert CCTV services include:

CCTV installation

We are expert SSAIB-approved security system installers and supply only high-quality CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.

We supply both analogue HD and IP systems as well as advise you on which system would be most appropriate for your security needs.

Our team of professionals don’t just install the CCTV system and leave, but also provide full training on the equipment making sure you are comfortable with it and know how to use it properly.

CCTV monitoring

Our CCTV monitoring services ensure that your property is being watched over by professional monitoring staff when it is unoccupied or most vulnerable.

The real advantage of detecting a break-in while it is in progress is the action that can be taken to deal with it, such as notifying the keyholders or alerting the police.

We use only Trusted Remote Video Receiving Centres (RVRC) and offer peace of mind that any incident detected would prompt an appropriate response.

CCTV maintenance

Annual servicing is vital in keeping your CCTV system in good working order. Even if it seems that the system is running fine, the checks and measures involved in a professional service help with the early detection of potential issues.

During a service, we undertake a visual assessment of all equipment, check connections and cabling, clean the cameras, lenses and housing, assess playback and recording quality, and test remote signalling (if applicable).

We also offer CCTV maintenance contracts that include a regularly maintained system by professionals, 24-hour coverage, reduced call-out and labour charges, and a reduction in insurance premiums.

CCTV repair

Even well-maintained CCTV systems can develop faults such as loose connections, cameras failing, the system not recording, playback not working, or poor-quality images.

If your system fails to record properly, loses clarity of picture, experiences drop out, won’t playback, or faces any other issue, our experienced engineers can diagnose and repair any faults quickly and with minimal disruption.

Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 for a quick consultation with our leading experts right away!

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