| According to CCTV.co.uk, November also sees a surge in past customers having their existing CCTV systems serviced |
November is shaping up to be a record month for CCTV installations in London, a leading security company says.
The clocks going back to winter time, fear of crime and recent statistics suggesting that November is the peak month for burglaries mean that companies and households are giving serious consideration to beefing up their security.
UK-based company CCTV.co.uk says that the week following the switch from British Summer Time to GMT acts as a catalyst for worried business owners and householders.
"The darker evenings certainly make people more aware of their own lack of security," says company spokesman Jonathan Ratcliffe. "This is especially true for businesses – all of a sudden they're still on the premises after sunset, and that seems to increase the feeling of vulnerability to crime."
According to new customers approaching CCTV.co.uk this week, reasons given for considering a security camera system at this particular point in time include:
- Fear of crime
- Business or personal need for added security
- A perception that property crime is increasing in the area
- Long, dark evenings after the clocks go back
"These figures tie up with recent figures obtained by insurance company LV," said Ratcliffe, "They suggest that November is the month you are most likely to be burgled."
“Although these figures are related to domestic burglary, they stoke a fear of crime that means both businesses and households want to do something to ensure their safety,” CCTV.co.uk says.
"A CCTV system is an outstanding visible deterrent for the criminal," says Ratcliffe, "And it's a long-standing fact that criminals are far less likely to take a risk against suitably protected premises."
Not only is November a peak season for installing new CCTV systems, the month also sees a surge in past customers having their existing systems serviced.
"Regular servicing is just as important as the original installation," says Ratcliffe. "and our own figures show that three in every four CCTV systems has a fault that would make them useless for capturing evidence capable of securing a conviction in a court of law."
"Our advice to all businesses is to protect your premises with cameras, and make sure they're working perfectly. That's the best way to hammer down the fear of crime."