Which is Better, CCTV or a Burglar Alarm System?

Introduction

There are two common options when it comes to protecting your home: CCTV & burglar alarms. When CCTV is compared to burglar alarms, both monitoring options are available as security options to property owners. The important thing to note is that they are both security tools but vary greatly in their ability to influence behavior, or in other words, their efficacy. The question becomes, which is more effective for keeping a property safe?

Let’s keep it simple.

What does a CCTV system provide?

CCTV (closed-circuit television) constantly captures footage and can record footage of specific locations around your property. CCTV is basically used for observation and monitoring, so it acts to monitor and, if strategically placed, may visually deter intruders.

• Useful for monitoring and reviewing incidents
• Provides visual footprints
• Can allow for remote access/viewing if the internet is connected

However, CCTV does not do anything about preventing a break-in; it merely records it. If you’re not monitoring it continuously, then you can miss the incidents. 

What is a Burglar Alarm System?

Burglar alarm systems are designed to recognize intrusions when they occur. The burglar alarm system utilizes motion sensors, door sensors, or glass break detectors to activate alarms instantaneously. When connected to a monitoring service, the alarm system can notify a security team or emergency services.

• Actively monitors in real time
• Prevents theft
• Provides instant alerts using monitoring

Burglar alarms are an active layer of protection, rather than a passive protection measure, when attached to a 24/7 monitoring service like that offered by DFS. 

Why so we recommend burglar alarm systems?

We do not sell CCTV systems because we believe one’s protection should be proactive and not reactive. Our intruder and burglar alarm systems come with motion sensors and have the ability to alert the designated response team or alarm monitoring station connected to our 24/7 professional monitoring center. With this technology, not only do you see what happened, but you also get to receive help while it is happening.

Our systems are wireless, easy to install, and customized for both residential and commercial use. Whether you are at sleep, at work, or on vacation, DFS will have your back.

5. Can you have both?

Sure, and many homeowners do install both for added peace of mind, but if you can only have one, then a burglar alarm system provides immediate action, which is more important during a real emergency.

Conclusion

If you want to deter crime and respond with immediacy to a threat, then a burglar alarm system is best, especially if it is monitored, making it a far better option. CCTV may give you a record of what happened, but a good alarm system, such as that offered by DFS, is to prevent threats from starting to begin with. 

Choose smart, choose safe. Choose proactive protection.