A growing number of homeowners are installing CCTV in their homes as a way of protecting their property from thieves or vandals but is it a luxury that some may not be able to afford or should it be considered a necessity in this day and age where crime is on the increase.

The answer to this dilemma is a personal one and very much depends on the area you live in and how vulnerable you may feel for instance if you are elderly or disabled having a CCTV system may give you the assurance you need especially if the footage can be viewed in real time. Some insurance companies will offer discounts on home insurance if CCTV is installed which is an additional benefit.

If you decide that you do want to install CCTV in your home, it can be bought and installed by yourself thus cutting down on the cost however there are many installers advertising fixed price systems to match a given budget.

It is wise to do some research beforehand to make sure the system you choose is suitable for your property and easy to use. The footage can often be downloaded on your computer if required and instructions to do this are usually included in the paperwork supplied.