The first documented CCTV system was designed by engineer Walter Bruch, used in 1942 Germany to monitor V-2 Rockets.

Fast Forward to today: 5.2 million CCTV cameras were in operation across the UK in 2020, the equivalent of one camera for every 13 people, according to IFSEC Global.

Despite this prevalence, many people are unfamiliar with how it works. Our team share their expertise:

What is CCTV?

Closed-Circuit Television is a video system in which cameras are strategically placed to observe an area and transmit footage to a private monitor/s, accessible in a control room or remotely.

These discrete camera monitoring systems have a powerful deterrence factor, often associated with crime detection, but their utility extends further; CCTV is used in traffic and crowd control, footfall analysis, heat mapping, and can be integrated with other security systems such as intruder or fire alarms. We delve deeper into integrating CCTV with other security systems here.

Analogue or IP-based CCTV cameras?

Different CCTV systems suit different situations. These systems are distinguished by the types of camera used; most commonly analogue or IP-based. Analogue systems are connected to a recording device via dedicated wires, whereas IP cameras use an IP (Internet Protocol) network to record video data onto a server.

Benefits of an IP system include better quality recorded images, the ability to use video analytics, and remote access to monitoring. Find out how WLS can upgrade your system from analogue to IP in a way that suits you, your property and your budget.

Reliable installation from WLS

WLS is NSI Gold approved with over 25 years of experience installing CCTV camera systems. We only specify equipment from proven suppliers such as Genetec, Axis, Hikvision, Avigilon and Honeywell. We cover projects of any size and have undertaken many high profile installations in London including CCTV Systems at Channel 4, The National Archives in Kew and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

Repair and Maintenance Service

WLS also operates a CCTV Repair and Maintenance service. As part of the installation process we’ll draw up a comprehensive maintenance plan for your system, which you can take up upon completion as an optional extra. We can also inspect and service any existing systems so you can be sure they’re properly installed and maintained to the highest standards.

Find out more or use our enquiry form for a free quote.

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    The WLS Guarantee – Creating Safe Spaces

    * First Time Fix or Solution Provided Every Time *

    We strive to be the World’s Leading Security Company, with an uncompromising focus on customers and the solutions we deliver. Our WLS team knows how important it is to create safe spaces you can trust, whether for your family home or business. 

    With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our expert team have closely followed the latest trends and developments in security technology. From our first installation to where we are now, our customers have always been our focus – providing an effective and high-quality result consistently. We’re proud to offer our unrivalled WLS guarantee to each of our customers. 

    We will arrive in the time slot specified.

    We treat our customers as we wish to be treated ourselves.

    We will act professionally at all times, arrive on time, smartly dressed in uniform.

    We will do our work quickly and without fuss.

    Once the work is completed we will ask you to review what we have done to ensure you are happy with the results.

    We will leave the site clean and tidy.

    We guarantee a first-time fix or to provide a solution on every call out.

    We fix 90% of problems first-time.

    If we can’t fix the problem the first time, we will propose a solution and deduct the call out charge from the cost.

    If we cannot propose a solution we will refund the call out charge.

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    We provide a full breakdown of costs with every quotation.

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