One survey conducted way back in 1998 revealed the trend to deter criminals from committing crimes was present even then. Offenders were asked if they would have refrained from committing an offence if they had known they were being caught on camera. Nearly half (48.2%) said they wouldn’t have gone ahead with the crime. A further 27.7% gave their answer as ‘maybe’, so it is clear the cameras do have a significant and positive effect on crime levels.

CCTV footage regularly used by police

We also know police forces across the country regularly use footage from nearby cameras to help them gather evidence concerning various crimes, and to help identify criminals. But the figures surrounding some instances might still surprise some people.

For example, a BBC report indicated that Scotland Yard used footage from CCTV cameras as evidence in no fewer than 95% of murder cases. There are many instances where people have been identified, caught, and prosecuted for committing crimes simply because they have been caught on camera.

Many people will remember the riots in London back in 2011. Around 5,000 people were prosecuted for playing a part in those riots, and many of them were identified through CCTV footage taken in and around the area at the time.

Keeping our communities safer

It’s always reassuring to know we live in a safe place. The College of Policing has found CCTV is good at reducing levels of specific crimes, such as theft from vehicles, for example. So, by installing and positioning cameras in specific places, with thought to the potential images that could be caught on those cameras, there is a good chance crime can be reduced in many areas across the UK. Indeed, as the information above suggests, there are cases where crimes have been avoided that might otherwise have taken place.

Additionally, these cameras do capture evidence that can be used later if a crime does occur. We can all feel much safer in our local areas thanks to the presence of CCTV cameras.

Exploring various areas of home security

Sponsored by Yale, the event focuses on a different security issue each week. The launch begins on 2^nd October, with plenty of offers available for people to take advantage of. The following week beginning 9^th October moves on to playing it safe at home with traditional security methods.

By week three, which begins on 16^th October, people will be able to learn more about the latest security equipment and gadgets, including the latest developments in the world of CCTV cameras and kits. Week four, starting on 23^rd October, focuses on protecting your property when the nights draw in and the chance of being burgled increases. CCTV cameras designed to provide night-time vision are ideal for installing to protect your property before the clocks go back and lead to darker evenings. And if you keep abreast of the latest developments in National Home Security Month, you can learn more about the latest cameras and technology before the nights close in. There is never a better time to invest in CCTV than now.

Finishing with some seasonal issues

Finally, the week beginning 31^st October focuses on security issues surrounding Halloween and Bonfire Night. Again, home security can make sure your home is far safer than it might otherwise be at this time of year.

The event has a handy checklist anyone can download from their website. This focuses on gateways, outbuildings, and external boundaries, and it lists CCTV as a crucial element to install to protect the perimeter of your home. This is just one of many powerful measures a homeowner can put in place to make sure they can protect their home. With plenty of high-quality CCTV kits and cameras on the market today, protecting your property has never been easier. Night vision, HD-quality images, and full colour images are easy to capture when you know how to do it correctly.

Find out more about National Home Security Month now, and discover how you can get the benefit of the advice given each week. There is no better time to focus on better home security than the moment when the nights begin to get darker much earlier.

Privately-managed CCTV cameras

The reason why this system is different from the many other CCTV systems in place across the region is that it is managed by a private company. The agreement was put in place in Newton Abbott in 2015, and has been run by the Newton Abbott Security Trust ever since. It was the first scheme of its kind to be piloted anywhere in Devon and Cornwall. Now, discussions are going ahead to determine whether Kingsteignton could also be included in the plans. Monitoring by the private company is fully supported by the police in the area.

Close to getting the go-ahead

At the time of writing, there was no further news regarding the plans, but things were looking very positive. CCTV is present in many towns across the UK, but this was the first time a private company was brought in to observe the footage from the cameras. The council has reacted positively to the idea of expanding the scheme to Kingsteignton, so it looks as though it is just a matter of time before it happens.

Kingsteignton is only a couple of miles to the north of Newton Abbott. Both are to the west of Teignmouth and to the east of Dartmoor National Park. Perhaps the most interesting fact to come out of this report is that there is every chance other local towns in the area will eventually have their CCTV cameras monitored by a private company as well.

Funded by more than one source

Further information indicates the council in Kingsteignton would offer funding for the project. There is also the possibility of local businesses helping to support the cameras. Early indications are there will be between six and eight cameras in key positions throughout the town. If the project does go ahead, the town will be covered by the private company in time for Christmas.

The big question is whether other councils throughout England and beyond take on this new method of monitoring CCTV cameras. Since it has been a success in Newton Abbott, there is every chance other towns have been watching and may now consider doing their own research into a similar approach in their locations.