After 18 years installing systems around Sheffield, we’ve seen the same pitfalls again and again. Here’s how to avoid them—and get CCTV that actually protects your home.
1) Pointing cameras the wrong way.
Wide shots of the whole street look impressive but rarely help identify anyone. We design coverage to capture faces at entry points (front door, back door, side gate) and to monitor vulnerable areas. South Yorkshire Police specifically recommend ensuring CCTV provides facial recognition level quality in those spots. Source: South Yorkshire Police
2) Poor night performance.
Cheap cameras can “blow out” faces near lights, or underperform in deep shadow. We specify lenses, sensor quality and infrared that suit your lighting, and we’ll add low-glare lighting where needed so images are usable 24/7. (Police also recommend 24-hour digital CCTV for continuous reliability.) Source: South Yorkshire Police
3) Treating CCTV as a standalone fix.
Evidence shows CCTV works best alongside other measures. We pair cameras with a graded alarm and good lighting—because layered security is what deters opportunists fastest and gives you the best outcome if an incident occurs. (Meta-analysis: CCTV is most effective when combined with other interventions or actively monitored.) Source: Campbell Systematic Reviews
4) DIY installs that miss accreditation.
Some insurers ask for NSI or SSAIB-approved systems/installation. Even when they don’t, accredited installers are a good signal of quality and maintenance support. We’re aligned with NSI/SSAIB best practice and can provide evidence for insurers if needed. Source: NSI
5) Forgetting data security and upkeep.
Default passwords, out-of-date firmware and full hard drives ruin systems. We harden your network, set strong credentials, configure retention properly and schedule health checks so your system is ready if you ever need footage.
Why it matters:
Burglary has fallen in the long term, but it still affected over 266,000 victims last year. Installing CCTV properly means better deterrence, usable evidence—and fewer nasty surprises. Source: ONS
