It is crucial to take security seriously in this day and age. It is not just businesses and commercial properties that need good security but it is our homes too. With crime increasing and burglaries very common place, it is very important to consider the available security options and choose one that is the best fit for you. There is no need to have a huge camera stuck to the side of your house if you don't want it, far from it in fact. Traditional burglar alarms still have a place today as the motion sensors work effectively to sound when a security barrier has been breached. Going one stage further however, closed circuit television and cameras can provide that added layer of protection. Cameras today can be as small and discreet as required - even hidden entirely from view.

One of the most popular and cost effective ways of providing security in the home and place of work is with cctv cameras and equipment. CCTV cameras can act as a very successful deterrent to thieves and burglars, certainly making them think twice at the very least. The technology behind security equipment these days is incredibly advanced, and it is even possible to hook the cameras up to an ordinary television or computer to watch the footage. Gone are the days when a cctv digital recording system is necessary, although these can still be worthwhile purchasing as they provide a constant monitor in which the images are displayed making the surveillance all the more robust and secure.

There are different types of cctv cameras available. Domed cameras are very discreet so are good for use in the home where it is perhaps important not to have large, unattractive cameras on display. With domed cameras, it is also impossible to know which way the camera is pointing which acts as a further deterrent to thieves. Traditional cameras come in different sizes from very large to extremely small. Wireless versions mean the cameras can be not only placed anywhere, but also hidden entirely from view. These are therefore also popular choices for in the home.

The footage taken from cameras today can even be forwarded to a smart phone, so when traveling away from home it is possible to keep checking on the house. If security is breached despite having cameras, an alarm will be sounded in the same way as traditional burglar alarms work that will alert either a local security firm or even a local police station. This provides a further layer of protection as a uniformed security guard or police officer will be on hand in just a few minutes to check on the situation at your home or place of work.

Another popular security measure in the home is having a camera over the door. These allow the person at home to see who is knocking on the door before opening it. With a speakerphone available too, it is even possible to request that identification is provided before opening the door. This form of door entry can be particularly beneficial for the elderly or those living alone.

It is very important that some form of security is present in homes, offices, shops and commercial properties. When it comes to security there is no reason to take the risk of going without. Those without adequate protection are more likely to find themselves targets of theft and burglary. CCTV equipment is not as expensive today as it once was, and there are plenty of different prices available from very reasonable prices to the more expensive. It is no longer necessary to purchase a CCTV DVR system either as the footage can be viewed on a normal television or computer. It is even possible to get fake cameras that work as a deterrent but cost very little! Door entry systems are another very worthwhile investment and can provide extra security to those living alone.