Data collected in 2016 showed that there was a decline in domestic crime in the United States. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the rate of property crime was estimated at 2,450.7 per 100,000 residents in 2016 – a two percent decrease from figures last 2015.

In England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics also reported a decrease in domestic burglary with a record low of 650,000 incidents in the survey year that ended last March 2017.

Although these reports are encouraging, there is no denying the fact that break-ins and property crimes still happen. These crimes also usually happen at times when there is no one inside the home, or at night when everyone is asleep.

Home security companies say you can avoid being a statistic by investing in the right security systems. The first step is to have a CCTV security system installed.

Investing in the Right CCTV Security Camera System

With various brands and models of CCTV cameras out in the market today, it can be difficult to choose the best one for your home. Knowing which features they should have can help limit your options and enable you to select the most suitable one for your home.

Here are five of the important features you should look for in your home CCTV security cameras:

1.     Image quality and viewing angle

Having cameras with an HD video recording function is a must today. This is because the footage recorded by HD cameras are clear and distinctive, enabling you and law enforcement officials to detect even the smallest details. Most modern CCTV cameras have at least 720p resolution while others offer as high as 1080p for viewing and recording. But leading security system vendors now also offer cameras with an impressive 4K resolution that produces an outstanding level of image detail and quality modern homes and businesses demand today.

In addition, it is best to consider getting cameras with wide angles. Cameras of this type cover a larger area with a single camera and can eliminate the need to install multiple cameras. In addition, wide-angle cameras will allow you to see more without the need to reposition or rotate the device.

2.     Low-light or infrared capabilities

Since many break-ins still happen at night, you would do well to add as many security features to your home as possible.

In the U.K., for example, there are window systems awarded the Police Preferred Specification status by the U.K. Police flagship initiative Secured By Design; the products are recognized for meeting the initiative’s standards for reducing crime risk.

Such window systems would provide your home an added layer of protection against burglars attempting to forcibly enter homes at night.

It’s also an excellent idea to invest in security cameras with infrared capabilities or ones that can record in low-light conditions.

Infrared cameras will increase the distance your camera can record images in low- to no-light conditions.

A less expensive option than infrared cameras, a low-light camera harnesses image intensifiers to magnify visible light in small amounts and create a substantially brighter image with discernible details.

Most cameras that use this technology emit near-infrared energy to improve the effectiveness of the camera in dark conditions without drawing too much attention.

3.     Remote video access and recording

Majority of home intrusions happen when the property owners or residents are away. As such, having the ability to access the video feed remotely is a big advantage today.

By simply installing an app on your phone or tablet, you can access live feeds from the cameras. There are also CCTV systems that will allow you to control the cameras remotely.

All modern CCTV systems include a recording function. However, find out how long your system will store all the gathered footage. If possible, choose a system that will also allow you to store your footage in the cloud so that you will have backups and you can archive any footage for later use.

4.     Motion detection

Motion detection is another important feature to look for as well. With this technology, you receive an alert when your home security system is triggered. You can then immediately check the live feed and monitor the situation once you receive the notification.

Other, more advanced motion detection systems come with movement tracking as well. In addition to alerting you, the cameras will turn and follow the person that triggered the alarm in their field of view.

Not all CCTV systems include motion detection and movement tracking. If you want these features, ask your trusted CCTV camera installation companies if their systems have these features and how much you would have to shell out for them.

5.     Weather resistance

Finally, if you want to have security cameras installed outdoors, you will have to get ones that are weather-resistant. Although they are more expensive, weather-resistant cameras are more durable and you can rely on them to function rain or shine.

Consider the general weather condition in your location when thinking about the degree of weather resistance you want your cameras to have. Generally, it is best to choose ones that can withstand rain so that they will still work even when wet and won’t malfunction easily.

Security companies in your area that specialize in CCTV camera system installation can help you decide which system would be ideal for your home. Investing in this type of security system will require some investment on your part.

Make sure you choose a reliable one that you can easily understand and use so that every penny you spend will be worth it.