Research and other evaluations indicate that CCTV can be effective in reducing crime and fear of crime and in helping the police detect crime and convict criminals as part of an overall strategy. Studies, for example, show a 41% overall decrease in vehicle crime in UK car parks where CCTV has been installed - contributing to the Governments overall target of a national 30% reduction...(taken from UK gov site)

CCTV

Closed Circuit Television Systems are an extremely useful tool for monitoring a great number of different situations. Such systems are also an important weapon in the fight against crime. However, these systems do vary in quality and there are some issues which users need to be aware of:

It is important that systems are properly set up and maintained. CCTV has been particularly useful in the fight against crime but it will only go on being effective if users ensure their cameras are of good quality, are properly installed and are well maintained. CCTV systems are especially effective when they are externally monitored.

If you are considering installing a CCTV system of your own we recommend that you seek professional advice before committing yourself to any purchase or rental. MAYAN can provide a free and independent security assessment of your premises and help you to ensure that you obtain a CCTV system and other security devices relevant to your needs

Closed circuit television (CCTV) has become a rather popular anti-crime device

Closed circuit television (CCTV) has become a rather popular anti-crime device. Many supermarkets, offices, warehouses, and factories use CCTV, and most managers report that CCTV has been effective and that it has reduced crime. It sounds like a simple solution -- just get a few cameras, and your crime problem is solved. However, some studies show that CCTV is not always effective, and even if it reduces crime, the cost of installing and maintaining the system may override the benefits. If you are thinking about installing a CCTV system, you should probably first think about what exactly it is that you want to accomplish with CCTV and whether there are cheaper or easier ways to do it.

How does CCTV prevent crime?

Should I use a monitor, a video recorder, or both?

What types of cameras are available?

What do I want to achieve using CCTV?

Is CCTV cost-effective?

Can I use CCTV to catch criminals?

Can I put CCTV in bathrooms and fitting rooms?