As with most technology, the widespread use of vandal-proof security cameras has led to the hacking and vandalism of whole surveillance systems and their parts. Moreover, some clever criminals have found ways to “beat the system” by developing advanced technologies that make facial recognition system in CCTV cameras impossible. Some of the common problems that the CCTV industry is currently facing include:
- The deliberate destruction of equipment;
- Spraying substances, such as spray paint, over the lenses; and
- Utilising lasers to “blind” or damage lenses.
Fortunately, the CCTV installers have responded and have devised several ways, including vandal-proof security cameras, that system owners in the UK can use to protect their investments and ensure ongoing protection.
What is Vandal-proof in CCTV?
No company or business has chosen to dispense with surveillance cameras, as we all want to increase our security measures to avoid any unforeseen event or threat at all costs. But what happens when we constantly face acts of vandalism? How can we ensure the uninterrupted operation of our video surveillance cameras?
Among the many factors that threaten this ongoing operation is vandalism. Many criminals will attempt to disable a video camera by hitting it with heavy objects or by trying to pry it open to damage or cover the lens. For any application related to vandalism, the best option is a vandal-resistant video surveillance camera.
Vandal-proof security cameras are IP cameras equipped with vandal-proof metal housings or dome covers, to prevent the lens from being damaged or destroyed when there is physical mishandling or abuse.
Do you need vandal-proof security cameras for the CCTV system?
With the prevailing use of surveillance circuits, security cameras are becoming increasingly vulnerable to vandalism as many thieves try to cover up their criminal acts by dismantling security circuits using brute force or iron bars.
Intentional damage to outdoor or indoor security cameras may occur at night, so vandal-proof infrared cameras with excellent night vision not only help catch potential thieves or intruders but also ensure cameras remain intact.
An outdoor IP camera suffers from unexpected problems such as vandalism, which not only undermines your home defence system but also increases household expenses. You can find out more about IP vs analog cameras to choose the better type of CCTV camera. In this article, we will discuss ideas to have a system of vandal-proof security cameras.
How to choose the Best Outdoor Wireless CCTV Camera System in 2024?
How can I protect my security camera from vandalism?
Using a high-tech electronic security system is key when ensuring greater efficiency and durability in CCTV. At the time of installation, it is also essential that the person who performs the process has the corresponding knowledge and training to avoid failures in the future. In addition to this, you can consider the following ideas to make your security system more vandal-resistant. That is why professional security system installation UK contributes to the vandal-proof security cameras.
1. Security camera housings
“Vandal-proof security cameras” do not necessarily guarantee that vandals will not damage cameras. To determine how vandal-proof something is, you have to look at how it handles different levels of impact and its resistance. To do so, a European system called EN 62262 was developed that provides a scale for impact energies and how certain materials (such as steel) handle impacts delivered through hammers.
The lowest classification within this scale is IK01 and the highest is IK10. If your cameras can survive an IK10, they will probably survive anything a vandal throws at them.
The impact resistance is due to the heavier materials used to make the cameras or their housings.
2. Camera elevation
Another criterion that makes vandal-proof security cameras is the elevation of the camera’s placement. We should think about how to place our security cameras, as the higher they are, the better.
However, protecting cameras by placing them in an elevated position is not always feasible. This rule applies mostly to outdoor surveillance cameras unless you have a building with a relatively high ceiling. But not all buildings have them.
3. Smart camera placement
A smart person will try to find ways to bypass or disrupt security systems, so you’ll need to deploy security cameras in a smart way to thwart their efforts. Most of our clients, for obvious reasons that we have mentioned so many times, want third parties to know that their property is monitored. However, it would be interesting to think about installing some hidden cameras next to the visible ones.
These three methods are not a closed and exhaustive list of ways to prevent vandals from breaking the cameras, but they can be of great help. Acquiring vandal-proof security cameras is the best solution.
Having vandal-proof CCTV cameras can be invaluable to your goal of recording video. In addition to protecting security cameras from human damage, a vandal-resistant security camera can also protect against environmental or industrial agents.
Unlike most features like night vision and weather resistance, not all cameras are vandal-proof. Vandal-proof security cameras are usually made specifically to withstand harsh environments where they might be exposed to violent impacts.
You may already have cameras and want to make your vandal-resistant security camera. You could buy an impact-resistant case that surrounds the camera; however, this is only available for specific cameras. There are not many one-size-fits-all cases, and you will most likely have to buy the case from the brand that made the camera.
Be sure to talk about all this with the video surveillance system installation company you have chosen. Explain the environment and your concerns to ensure that the next security CCTV system you implement has the level of protection against vandalism that you need.
4. Using wireless CCTV cameras
Another strategy to facilitate your property to vandal-proof security cameras is the employment of wireless CCTV cameras. Using a wireless security system can act as an obstacle against vandalism and robbery. In a wired system, there is a chance for vandals and thefts to not only damage your CCTV cables but also cause your damaged CCTV to stop working during their vandalism operation or robbery incidents. Thus, using a high-quality wireless security camera can be a decent solution for making your security system vandal-resistant.
5. Regular monitoring of the security feed
If a business doesn’t routinely check its security feeds, it may be targeted by the vandals and burglars that have taken its property under control to find out whether they are diligent at monitoring its security cameras’ video footage. As opposed to the time that vandals find out the video footage is regularly checked, they are less likely to take the risk of being monitored and caught by vandal-proof security cameras.
Which camera is more vandal-resistant?
Dome cameras tend to be more durable and are among the vandal-proof security cameras compared to bullet cameras, which are more vulnerable to external force. Another durability factor is the camera’s impact protection rating (IK), which measures how much force the dome can resist. For instance, the most durable dome cameras are rated as IK10, indicating that they can endure more than 20 joules of physical force.
Furthermore, dome cameras tend to have a discrete design, making it more complicated to determine where the lens is pointed out. This attribute of dome cameras can mislead intruders about which area is being monitored, taking more time to complete their job. Thus, this type of camera is likely to be a deterrent against theft and vandalism.
Conclusion
Surveillance systems are capable of capturing images that are crucial and necessary to ensure security. If a correct installation has been carried out, they will be installed in the places that obtain the best possible image and field of vision. That is why security cameras are often quite easy to detect and it is very likely that security cameras are the target of criminals. In this article, we provided ideas to have more vandal-proof security cameras and keep criminals away from your home or business in the UK.
