Many shops, newsagents and other retail outlets have a CCTV System in place, however it may be out of date and some or all equipment may be in need of replacing.

In regards to cameras you will need to think about what your specific requirements are for your outlet. Is the premises left in complete darkness overnight, then you most likely would like to have day & night vision cameras installed. To enable you to record at night time should any criminal activity occur.

If your shop is lit even during night time you would not require day & night vision cameras instead you could purchase colour cameras.

The most common and popular choice is the dome CCTV Camera, either day and night vision or colour cameras. The dome cameras can be used both internally and externally, there are specific weather and vandal proof cameras for external use. You have some dome cameras which are only suitable for internal use, mainly colour dome cameras. But many of our dome cameras can be used either inside or outside premises, however bear in mind the area where your premises are located, it may be suitable to have weather and vandal proof dome cameras outside your premises.

This not only deters criminals but also should they try to vandalise the camera, they are less likely to succeed. The location of your external cameras are also of paramount importance, not only do you need to be able to record the area you wish to record but also ensure there are as little interference with the equipment as possible.

There are entry level dome cameras up to high spec dome cameras available, you would need to consider the distance the camera needs to cover as well as lighting etc. Also how clear the picture needs to be and at what frame rate you would like to record the footage in.

Once you have selected which types of cameras you require, you will have to think about the DVR – Digital Video Recorder unit you would need. There are many types available and entirely depends upon your needs which option you may want to go ahead with.

You could get a entry level DVR if all you require is for the DVR to record footage, either continuously or when there are movement in front of cameras.

You would also need to consider your needs for logging onto your CCTV system remotely, if you purchase a CCTV DVR which has got network capabilities then you would be able to log onto your CCTV System from any location where you have internet access.

Some DVRs also support mobile phone compatibility, ie you could use your mobile phone to log onto your CCTV System. You would in this instance have to have a mobile phone that is capable of supporting this as well.

The size of hard drive required is another aspect you need to consider before deciding upon which DVR unit will be the most appropriate for your premises. Are you going to record continuously and need a certain amount of days recording you would have to increase the hard drive size.

If you set up the DVR to only record when there is movement, ie motion detection then you would save space, for at example at night time when the shop/store is not in use, but it would still be active should there be a break in or other movement in the premises.