CCTV “Turn Off” continues with council budget cuts - Police Chief Encourages Residents to “Put CCTV in every Home”

2016: As councils face further cuts to their budget, austerity measures are resulting in many CCTV cameras being switched off. With “CCTV Turn Off” becoming more common, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) is concerned that crime reduction efforts will be reversed as criminals return to areas which no longer have CCTV in operation. This could affect local businesses dramatically with increases in damage to their property overnight and also local residents’ vehicles being targeted. Property owners can no longer rely on local council security measures, so are encouraged by Police officials to take responsibility for their own video surveillance security. Outdoor or indoor home security cameras, like the award winning and affordable Y-cam Indoor HDS can be set up easily to allow local businesses and residents to protect their property against crime cost effectively.

CCTV Turn Off Leaves Businesses and Residents Vulnerable

Although the National Police Chief’s Council admit CCTV is an essential part of their ability to detect and catch criminals the “Great British CCTV Turn Off” is happening across the country. The NPCC admits that 95% of murder trials use CCTV footage as evidence, in addition, vehicle crimes and assaults are reduced significantly in areas where there is visible CCTV. Assistant chief constable Mark Bates, surveillance lead for the NPCC, told the BBC: "CCTV is hugely important, not just in terms of keeping people safe in the night time economy but also in relation to serious crimes."

Petty crime like vehicle damage and burglaries remain common and can be distressing for victims. In recent months there have been reports of residents own CCTV footage assisting the police in capturing assailants. These criminals, who often operate at night or during the day when many people are at work don’t realise they are being monitored. Without the CCTV footage showing them committing the crime, detectives would have struggled to make an arrest and secure a definitive conviction.

“Put CCTV in every home and business”

Last year Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe, Britain’s most senior policeman confirmed his belief that CCTV cameras should be installed by homeowners and businesses to assist detectives solving crimes. He admits that many petty criminals are disorganised and CCTV footage can alert police immediately and provide vital images of the faces of these criminals which are essential for catching and convicting assailants.

He commented, “…you get a whole shot of what happened at the event: What did they steal? Did they use a knife? You get all that. But more relevant today is a face. That’s what we need.”

Location of video cameras is vital to catch criminals

Installing a video security camera is not as complicated as many imagine and both indoor and outdoor cameras can be set up within minutes. However, ensuring it is positioned in the right place can make a huge difference to its effectiveness. As Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe knows only too well, “What we need to be able to do is to be able to compare that photograph with the images we have of people committing a crime. Taking the tops of their heads is not that helpful for facial recognition which relies on the eyes and the configuration of the area around the nose and the mouth. So we’re trying to get people to, ideally, add another camera at face level.”

Easy Set Up, Cost Effective, 24/7 Coverage

A simple indoor home security camera like the Y-cam Indoor HDS can be set up in minutes with immediate benefits:

Indoor HDS:

• The Indoor HDS lets you see and hear what’s happening at your property from anywhere on your smartphone or tablet.
• All videos are stored securely and safely away from the properly so they can’t be erased or stolen, and this service is provided free of charge with no monthly fees required
• The Motion Zone can be set up to capture any movement in potentially vulnerable areas like a back door or French windows when you are out at work during the day
• It’s very easy to set up and use, especially for people with no technical knowledge
• You will receive instant alerts when motion is detected so you can take immediate action.
• You can watch live or review the last 7 days’ recordings at no extra cost.

Outdoor Pro:

• Comes with all the same features as the Indoor camera, however it is fully Weatherproof to IP66 international standards and is ideal for monitoring the front and rear of your home before intruders enter your property. Keeping an eye on expensive property such as cars or tools in a shed and children or animals, which are outside during the day
This kind of protection is more cost effective than you might imagine. A single Y-cam security camera is all you need to start securing your property and the flagship Indoor HDS costs just £129 with no monthly fees or contracts required.
Visit www.y-cam.com for more information.

Sources:
The Telegraph – Put CCTV in every home
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11458153/Police...

Daily Mail – CCTV catches thug attacking woman outside her business
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3518732/Caught-CCTV-...
BBC News – Budget cuts force CCTV turn off
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35090177
BBC News – Residents CCTV helps catch and convict vandal
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shet...
International Business Times – Police Chiefs Issue CCTV Safety Alert
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/police-chiefs-issue-cctv-safety-ale...
How a single Y-cam security camera led to the police capturing a burglar in the act, saving over £20,000 in losses - http://blog.y-cam.com/homemonitor-saved-business/

For more information about Y-cam Indoor HDS security cameras and the Plus package visit the website www.y-cam.com or contact us today.
WWW.Y-CAM.COM

Notes to Editor

Y-cam the Sunday Times Award winning brand has been designing Home Security systems for over nine years. The cloud solution ensures you get peace of mind 24/7. Prices start from just £125 for the HDS Indoor Camera.

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