Installing a CCTV camera in Singapore is one of the common approaches when a person wants to secure their property. The risk of being seen and recorded can be an excellent deterrent against potential intruders. However, like everything else, these products have limitations depending on which model you buy. Nevertheless, its benefits far outweigh the downsides.
If you’re planning on placing CCTV on your property in Singapore, there are several aspects you need to study. Generally speaking, these cameras are not cheap. Therefore, you must be aware of everything regarding this topic. Aside from learning about its pros and cons, being aware of the possible mistakes that could happen before, during, and after installation is necessary if you wish to avoid issues.
With that said, continue reading this article and learn about these seven mistakes homeowners make regarding their CCTV.
7 Mistakes Homeowners Make With Their CCTV in Singapore
1. Incorrect Positioning
One of the first things you need to consider before your CCTV installation in Singapore is determining the optimal spots on your property. Generally, these are areas where intruders can use as access points to enter and leave. Incorrect positioning can lead to an ineffective security system, meaning you’re not getting the most out of them. Understandably, finding all the vulnerabilities in your property can be difficult. If you’re experiencing this obstacle, consider seeking the advice of your CCTV surveillance company.
One additional tip you need to remember is placing your CCTV in areas where intruders couldn’t reach them without using ladders. Failing to do so could result in trespassers breaking them, eliminating your chance of recording their illegal activities.
2. Unclear Camera View
Another detail you need to consider before installing a CCTV camera is its field of view. The ideal coverage depends on the area. For example, parking spaces would require cameras that provide clear visibility of the entrance, exit, and vehicles. Additionally, their positions shouldn’t have any obstructions that intruders could use. Using the same example, these would be pillars, signages, and trees, assuming the parking area is outside and not in a basement.
3. Installing the Wrong Cameras
Looking into the products a CCTV surveillance company has, you would notice that there are various types of cameras available. Never mistake this variety as a mere cosmetic feature. These differences serve an actual purpose. Some of these include a 360-degree view that is excellent when surveying wide areas, night vision that works in locations where there is little to no light, and an adjustable field of view. Therefore, it would be a mistake to place a panoramic camera in a small room.
Assess your property and determine which CCTV works best for them. The following are some of the factors you need to consider:
- Indoor or outdoor
- Area
- Lighting
- Image clarity
- Audio
4. Insufficient Cameras in the Property
Another possible mistake people, especially first-timers, make regarding CCTV installation is underestimating the number of cameras their property needs. One example could be forgetting to place some inside your home or investing your budget on outdoor security only. Intruders could slip past them, and once they enter your property, you have no way to determine their next steps. Additionally, your outdoor CCTV could malfunction for whatever reason. Therefore, you should analyse your property as a whole and seek help from professionals if you feel like you’re missing something.
5. Not Setting Up Alerts
Realistically speaking, you won’t always be able to monitor your CCTV. There will be times when you have to attend to more pressing matters, not to mention that your cameras may be recording nothing important. However, forgetting to set up an alert system means that intruders could enter your property, and you may not know about it until you watch the footage.
Setting up alerts provides an early warning regarding potential trespassers or illegal entry. Whatever their intention is, your CCTV can give enough time for you to request assistance from law enforcement and minimise the damage to you and your property.
6. Picking Cheap Cameras
Going for a cheap CCTV camera in Singapore may be an excellent choice if you have a limited budget but still want to increase the security of your property. However, it is highly likely that these products won’t be anywhere near your expectations. One of its top disadvantages is its poor video surveillance quality. For example, a cheap CCTV won’t be able to capture the plate number of a car that an intruder uses to flee. This downside makes investigations difficult, especially if their vehicle and its colour are common in the area.
7. Lack of Security
Like your property, your CCTV in Singapore requires a security system to ensure that no one could hack into them and use the footage in planning their illegal activities. If your software requires a password, ensure that you use a code that isn’t common information, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and names. Additionally, consider changing them frequently to maximise your security.
Conclusion
Installing a CCTV camera in Singapore is one of the basic ways to make your property more secure. While this system has pros and cons, customers generally find its benefits too essential.
However, people make mistakes and installing a CCTV is no exception to this rule. Therefore, if you wish to avoid any errors that could lead to you being unable to get the most out of your cameras, you need to be aware of them so that you can make the necessary adjustments to avoid them. Some include assessing your property for optimal security spots, choosing unobstructed views, finding products suitable for the area, and determining the correct number of cameras you need.
Aside from them, consider setting up alerts to inform you of potential intruders, giving you adequate time to call local authorities.
Remember that your CCTV system is one of your first lines of defence against trespassers, thieves, and other malicious individuals. Investing enough funds in acquiring the best products could ensure that aside from being a deterrent, you also have a way to help authorities during an investigation.
Aside from CCTV cameras, One Stop Office Solutions also offers other security solutions, such as access control and security alarm systems. If you have questions about their products and services, visit their websiteand check their FAQ section or contact information.