CCTV and alarms that actually protect the building.

CCTV and intruder alarms are two separate systems that work best designed together: cameras that record and let you view a property remotely, and a sensor-based alarm that detects break-ins and raises an alert. Most sites end up with both, wired to work as one.

We design, install, commission and maintain both in-house, one point of contact from the first call to the annual service. If you already have a system someone else fitted, we will survey it, tell you honestly what state it is in, and take over the servicing.

CCTV systems

Most systems built today are IP: each camera sends a digital signal over network cable, giving sharper detail at range and an easier path to expand later. Analogue and HDTVI cameras still suit smaller sites or where existing coaxial cabling can be reused. We fit either, depending on the building.

Footage lives on an NVR (IP) or DVR (analogue), sized against camera count, resolution and how long you need to keep footage. Retention typically runs 14 to 31 days; there is no fixed legal minimum, only a duty not to hold footage longer than needed. IP cameras usually run on PoE, one cable for power and data, useful anywhere a mains socket would be awkward.

Remote viewing	Live cameras and recordings on a phone or tablet, included as standard.
ANPR	Automatic number plate recognition, logging vehicles in and out of a car park or yard.
AI analytics	Line crossing, intrusion detection and people counting, configured to what the site actually needs so alerts do not become noise.
Brands	Hikvision and other established manufacturers; not tied to one brand, not an approved dealer of any.

CCTV and the law

Recording identifiable people means processing personal data, so UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 apply, to most business, landlord and managing agent CCTV, not just large organisations. The ICO's CCTV guidance sets the practical duties: clear signage saying who is recording, capture only what the stated purpose needs, avoid areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy, and keep footage no longer than needed. Anyone whose image you hold can make a subject access request, and you need a process to find and provide it within the statutory timescale.

We design camera positions and fields of view with this in mind and can advise on signage, but this is not legal advice. The ICO's own guidance is the primary source.

Intruder alarms and grade

An alarm can be bells-only, sounding locally, or monitored, sending an activation to a monitoring centre that can act on it. UK intruder alarm work follows PD 6662, which sets out design, installation and maintenance to BS EN 50131, graded 1 (low risk, domestic) to 4 (high risk). Most commercial and communal buildings sit at Grade 2 or 3; insurers often specify the grade, and we design to that.

Type	Detail
Wired	Cabled to the panel; suits new build or full refurbishment.
Wireless	Battery sensors on radio; quicker to fit into an occupied building, batteries checked at service.
PIR / dual-tech	Movement by body heat, or PIR plus microwave to cut false alarms.
Vibration & door contacts	On doors, windows and safes; trigger if breached while armed.
Keypads & app	Arm and disarm on site or remotely, with alarm status on your phone.
Panic / hold-up	Silent alert for staff, e.g. at a till or reception desk.

Insurers commonly ask for a specific PD 6662 grade, ARC monitoring and evidence of regular servicing before confirming cover on higher-value premises. We design to what your insurer specifies and can put paperwork in front of them.

Monitoring

We can set up monitored alarms that alert a monitoring centre on activation, and discuss call-out arrangements as part of your quote. Whatever the arrangement, servicing keeps it meaningful: a monitored alarm untested in a year is not much use to anyone, monitoring centre included.

Servicing and supply-only parts

Intruder alarm	Serviced at least once a year, twice a year if monitored.
CCTV	Checked annually: cameras, recording and storage proven working, not just plugged in.

Regular servicing is also what keeps insurance cover valid if a claim ever depends on the system having worked. See planned servicing for how we schedule and report on it. If you have your own engineer and just need the components, we offer supply-only CCTV and alarm parts, with honest advice on what actually fits the job.

Also worth a look: fire alarm systems, access control and AOV and smoke ventilation, all designed, installed and maintained by the same BAFE-accredited team.