Monitoring, recording or both?

You will need to decide whether it is appropriate for you to have a monitoring system, a recording system, or both.

• Monitoring – The images from the cameras are sent to one or more monitors, allowing you to see what’s happening in real time. This may allow you to see when something suspicious is occurring, and avoid a crime, but it also means that someone has to be watching the monitor all the time. In addition, if you have a complicated system, you will need more than one monitor so that you can see what’s going on in each sector. This type of system is commonly used by larger companies and big estates.
• Recording – The images from the cameras are sent to a video, DVD recorder or computer. These tapes and discs are then stored by date so that if anything occurs, you can play back the relevant images. This system does not require constant monitoring, but it also means that you are less likely to be able to interfere with criminal activity because you won’t see it happening in real time. Recorded CCTV images are, however, extremely useful when it comes to identifying suspects.

What type of camera?

There are several types of cameras available for your Leeds CCTV system:

• Static cameras – these cameras just point at one area; a till or shop exit for example. You cannot follow people around the building, you can only see a single framed picture.
• Automatic moving cameras – these cameras are set to move automatically, so that they do a regular sweep of a set area. This provides you with more coverage on a timed basis.
• Remote-control cameras – these cameras can be controlled remotely, so operators can follow people around the store if they look suspicious.