| The advances in high-tech surveillance and | | | | part of a system) for later review or can be |
| recording equipment have provided a very viable | | | | viewed at any time via the internet from any |
| alternative to protecting ones property while the | | | | computer having a high speed connection and |
| owner or occupant is away. Current technology | | | | access to the internet. In the early days of video |
| offers not only wired cameras (i.e. cameras | | | | capture of this type, the scenes were stored on |
| connected to a recording device via wire or | | | | magnetic tape on a recorder that operated |
| cable), but also wireless cameras, that may be | | | | continuously. That is no longer the case since the |
| hidden from sight, or alternatively, highly visible, | | | | video images can now be captured digitally and |
| that send a signal to recording devices and/or to | | | | the cameras can be set to record to send a |
| a high speed internet-connected computer which | | | | signal only when motion is detected in the |
| allows for real time monitoring of the area under | | | | covered area and the recorder only operates |
| camera view. One can actually observe activity at | | | | when it is receiving a signal. |
| a particular site while it is happening! | | | | The ability to monitor activity as it happens |
| These cameras transmit the video image to a | | | | (referred to as "real-time"), which the internet |
| recording device using a specific radio frequency | | | | viewing option provides has, in documented cases, |
| and therefore eliminate the need to install wiring in | | | | allowed an owner to call the police from their |
| places that may be difficult to access or where | | | | location hundreds of miles away and have the |
| visibility of a wire is not desired. As might be | | | | police arrive at their property and catch the |
| expected, the wireless camera installation is the | | | | criminals either in the act or as they were exiting |
| more expensive investment, but due to simplicity | | | | the property. This is the ultimate payoff, but |
| and flexibility in installation and some aesthetic | | | | even if just being able to provide video to the |
| value, it may be well worth any difference in cost. | | | | authorities is the only option, it becomes a |
| Most installations are comprised of a "system" of | | | | tremendous aid in catching the criminals since the |
| full color cameras ranging in size from as few as | | | | video provides physical information regarding |
| two to as many as sixteen with some capable of | | | | those for whom they will be searching once they |
| of capturing video in extreme low light scenarios. | | | | are brought in to investigate. |
| With planning, cameras can be placed in such a | | | | Using video cameras and recording equipment as |
| way as to provide complete coverage of the | | | | one of the measures to safeguard ones property |
| property. | | | | puts the owner in total control of the monitoring |
| Cameras that are placed where they can be seen | | | | activity. It eliminates the need to rely on third |
| provide a deterrent effect as well as providing | | | | parties whether they be family, friends or a paid |
| video images of of activity at the site being | | | | service and the monitoring is 24 hours a day, |
| monitored. If someone with ill intent sees a | | | | seven days a week, and 52 weeks a year (or 24 |
| camera they are less likely to proceed with their | | | | 7/52 as has become the popular vernacular). Do |
| planned activity. On the other hand, if the desire is | | | | not get caught in the "it will never happen to me" |
| to monitor an activity without the knowledge of | | | | trap. I know of no one (save some involved in |
| persons who might be in the covered area, then | | | | insurance fraud) who actually thought it would |
| there are a wide variety of cameras that are | | | | happen to them, but the fact that they did no |
| referred to as "hidden". These cameras can be | | | | think it would happen to them did not prevent it. |
| hidden in everything from clock radios and | | | | This type of surveillance equipment has become |
| thermostats to ball point pens or even screw | | | | very reliable and affordable. It is definitely |
| heads and many, many more configurations. | | | | something every homeowner, or even business |
| The scene that is captured can then be stored on | | | | owner, should seriously consider. |
| a digital recording device (usually purchased as | | | | |