Imagine that you have just returned home, after a pleasant evening dining out and catching a movie at the local theater. You open the front door of your house, to realize in sudden horror that…you have been robbed! Your eyes quickly scan the room to take a mental inventory, to determine what has been stolen. After rushing to where the surveillance cameras were installed, you realize that the video cameras are only shattered pieces now.

Whenever you create a video surveillance system for your home, which includes DVR cards, you want the system to perform as effectively as possible. After all, a tool is only useful if it works. In terms of video storage that is saved on your computer, you want the system to produce a clear picture, regardless of whether the camera is located indoors our outdoors; or at home or at your workplace.

The need to handle vandals

Vandalism is one of several crimes against property, which can happen at home or at the workplace. In 2003, roughly 5% of households in the United States alone, experienced at least one case of vandalism. And in Britain, home of over 4.2 million surveillance cameras, authorities recently considered installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, to monitor the “speed cameras” that are used to prevent vehicular speeding on roads and highways. It is a case of cameras watching cameras.

Intent, malice, and vandalism

Simply put, vandalism is the intentional destroying of property. In addition to destroying video surveillance cameras, it can also include spray painting graffiti, slashing car tires, and attacking computer systems with computer viruses. Vandalism is considered a crime, whether or not the vandal knows the victim. In legal terms, vandalism involves both intent and malice. In other words, the vandal aims to destroy what belongs to the victim.

In the United States, youngsters aged 15-21 conduct a majority of minor crimes against property. Each year, this results in millions of dollars of property damage. Unfortunately, catching and arresting vandals is also a very challenging task.

Punishment for vandalism can involve paying a fine, serving a jail sentence, or paying for items to be fixed or replaced. Sometimes a vandal is required to experience all three forms of punishment. Victims may even sue the vandal, in order to receive compensation for the damaged property.

The vandal-busters

Fortunately, you can help to prevent vandalism in your home or workplace, by installing a video surveillance system, which includes vandal-proof cameras DVR cards to save and review the footage that the cameras take. Vandal proof-cameras can include several features:

• Clear picture

• Color footage

• Indoor use

• Night vision

• Outdoor use

• Sturdy construction

• Weather proof

When putting together video surveillance camera systems, it is important to select vandal-proof cameras that meet your security needs.

Vandalism of any type can be devastating at one's home or workplace. While security cameras and DVR cards can help to bring vandals and other criminals to justice, it is vital that the video cameras themselves be sturdy enough to prevent vandalism against them. Keep your security cameras safe as they keep you safe!