With crime noticeably on the rise, many householders are fitting their properties with CCTV technology. It’s easy to see why this could be attractive, but given that the technology is expensive and criminals are ever more resourceful, is it really worth going the whole hog with a full and working system?

There’s no doubt that having the ability to collect footage is useful, and could still provide clues, but definitely, the deterrent effect is key. So how do you make your deterrent as effective as it can be?

First of – visibility. Make sure your ‘cameras’ look like cameras, are very visible, and covering the entrances to your home, and any vulnerable areas such as garages or sheds. Couple them with security lights too.

Next up – effective signage is certainly worth it, and regularly ignored even by those who have working systems. By law, you’re actually supposed to inform people if you’re recording them and failing to do so can make your footage inadmissible as evidence.

Having a clear sign, or several clear signs serves as a deterrent in its own right. Make sure they look professional, suggest live-monitoring, and use eye imagery – it may seem strange, but studies have shown this makes criminals feel even more like they’re being watched!