CCTV Buyer's Guide – Frequently Asked Questions

Theft and other crimes continue to pose a major threat to construction site owners, with the UK construction industry losing almost £400million per year because of it. Without the correct security measures in place, construction sites become a target for thieves, vandals and other trespassers, which can result in loss of assets, project delays and rising insurance premiums. All of this can be detrimental to a small or medium-sized business.

Well positioned, correctly installed, modern CCTV systems help prevent the unthinkable from happening. With proper CCTV maintenance you can ensure your site is protected round-the-clock.

Continue reading as we outline the key questions to ask your supplier before investing in CCTV systems for construction sites.

CCTV Buyer’s FAQs

Which areas of the site do I need to monitor?

To be as effective as possible, CCTV cameras must be set up so that they can capture the areas that most require monitoring, to ensure that any potential threat is detected and acted upon immediately. You will generally find that cameras positioned higher up can capture a wider area, whilst also being harder to intercept by would-be criminals.

By asking this question first, your construction site security supplier can advise on the type of camera that is most suitable and where it should be installed on the site. For larger sites, multiple cameras may be necessary. Your provider will typically start with a bespoke on-site assessment, which includes a risk analysis and highlights the most at-risk areas.

Do I need cables?

Traditional CCTV cameras are wired and use cables, connecting the camera to the recorder and the internet router. These work well for many construction site owners, particularly those with larger sites. They are also very reliable, as they will not be susceptible to wireless signal interference.

Wireless CCTV systems, on the other hand, are much easier to install and offer the ideal solution for sites where cabling is not possible or would be too costly to install. Wireless detection is, therefore, generally cost-effective and ensures the site can be easily monitored 24/7. All you need to do is install the CCTV system and link it to your respective devices, making wireless CCTV technology a fantastic modern solution for sites of all sizes.

Can my CCTV camera protect my site at night?

Good lighting is a proven method for deterring unwanted trespassers, particularly in dimly lit areas or where a construction site is left unattended overnight. Likewise, during the winter months when it gets dark earlier and many sites close down during the Christmas break, it is crucial to ensure your lighting remains up-to-scratch.

As such, CCTV cameras suitable for construction sites should come with infrared or white lighting, which will help to illuminate protected areas and deter criminals.

To be on the safe side, ask your supplier to show you some night-time footage from the CCTV cameras you are investing in to check its visibility before the system is commissioned.

Will my CCTV system be safe from sabotage?

As construction sites are prime targets for criminals, your CCTV system may be susceptible to sabotage, especially when placed in at-risk areas. Before purchasing your system, discuss with your supplier the steps that will be taken to prevent CCTV sabotage. This might include the use of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or back-up communication channels. You should also watch out for any areas of weakness and single points of failure.

What on-going support will I receive?

With any CCTV system, a time will come when the system fails and some additional support is required. Before commissioning a CCTV system, it is vital to ascertain whether your supplier will provide on-going tech support and regular maintenance checks as part of their package. Any quality supplier, including Millennium Security, will include this as part of their end-to-end service.

What accreditations does my security provider have?

Accreditations are a sign of quality and trust and ensure that the company you are working with are following the correct industry guidelines and health and safety standards. As such, always ask your security provider for proof of the accreditations they hold. At the very least, they should be Security Industry Authority (SIA) compliant and registered with the SSAIB (Security Systems & Alarms Inspection Board).

What is included in the price?

When investing in security solutions for your construction site, beware of any hidden costs and always ask what is included in the price.

Millennium Security offers a complete end-to-end service, which covers everything from a bespoke site survey, installation and training, to on-going maintenance and decommissioning. For more information about our construction site security solutions, including biometric access control, advanced CCTV systems and other wireless technology, contact us on 01234 825 522.