In a survey conducted by the Office of the Information Commissioner (2007), it was found that there were 4.2 million security cameras installed in Britain. This, based on the national population that year, meant one camera per 14 persons. The report further said that an average Briton could be caught on tape around 300 times a day! These statistics make the UK the world leader in the use of surveillance cameras, at home, in the office and at public places.

The UK is going through a period of heightened criminal activity. According to police records, one in every six houses gets burglarized every year. Cases of drunken fights and hooliganism in residential areas are also rising. Many a times the authorities have to set the culprits free because of the lack of evidence. This is where security cameras come handy.

Security Cameras: Best Way to Ensure Security at Home

• Burglars: No one is safe from theft. A burglary takes place somewhere across the globe every 16 second. According to web based statistics, around 16% of the world's homes have been robbed. These incidents can take place even if an adult is at home all the time. Our modern lifestyles include adherence to schedules, leading us to follow a routine of coming in and going out each day. This works to the advantage of the burglar who knows exactly when to expect someone in the house. Professional thieves often spend a long time monitoring the activities of their target house and get to work when they know that the coast will be clear. A majority of the robberies require only 15 minutes of work. Besides the loss of property, the victim's sense of security and safety is severely impacted. Security cameras can help control all such losses. Its mere presence is enough to scare away most burglars. Another advantage is that by reviewing surveillance tapes regularly you will be able to identify suspicious elements and take action against them. Security camera footage has been used to solve a countless number of crimes and many a times almost all of the stolen goods have been recovered.

• House Sitters: What is the guarantee that the highly referenced babysitter you have hired for looking after your young one while you go out for dinner is not abusing your child? Many neighborhoods maintain a list of reliable house sitters. Despite this, there have been instances of theft and child abuse. This is where CCTV equipment comes into play. They can be placed anywhere in the house away from the prying eyes of the nanny. The preferred places are the child's room and the place where you keep your valuables and important documents. So if you are willing to trust someone with your children and home then why not do it tension free with the use of security cameras?

• Insurance Claims: This is another utility where the CCTV equipment you installed at home provides critical information. The recordings made from it involving a robbery or natural damage can be used to quickly sort out insurance battles.

Wireless IP Cameras: Innovating the Way Security Cameras Work

Traditionally, security cameras were available in two models:

1. Wired Model with External Recording Device

2. Wireless Model with Built-In DVR Recorder

Then came the wireless IP cameras which have the best of both the worlds. They can be placed anywhere in a network after providing them with a unique IP address. Their feed can be seen and recorded from anywhere in the network, provided the user knows the correct address. This offers the maximum flexibility.

Hence security cameras offer a number of advantages, including peace of mind, monitoring suspicious or criminal activities, providing evidence for a case and acting as a crime deterrent. It is not enough to install the cameras. Regular monitoring of footage is a must.