How much does a video surveillance system cost for ADT or Brinks?

How does one create a video surveillance system that deters thieves at minimum cost to an apartment?

• Answer:

  This is really two questions. First, the simplest camera-related deterrent requires no more than conspicuous cameras, functioning or not.  At this step, all you're providing is the illusion that events are being recorded.  If someone is determined to proceed, the mere presence of cameras won't STOP them.  It may help you catch them after the fact, but it won't stop them. The next *useful* step is generally the addition of a "public awareness monitor" - you often see these when walking into a retail location, and there's a monitor right there that shows the front-door camera, proving that your face is now on video.  If intruders in the previous instance decided to continue on under the assumption that the cameras are fake, this shows them that it isn't.  It still doesn't guarantee they'll stop what they're doing. Ultimately, that's really the limit of DETERRENT value of cameras.  Anything more requires human intervention - eg. if the cameras are being monitored by a guard who can then respond to the threat in person.  That that point, the person becomes the deterrent, not the cameras. To the second question: "Does a video surveillance system substantially increase the likelihood of arrest or recovery of goods in the event of a residential burglary?"  The answer is a solid, "it depends.  A properly designed system, with good angles and areas of coverage, sufficient resolution, and a proper selection of cameras and lenses suitable to the environment, lighting, and coverages, can greatly increase the likelihood of arrest and/or recovery.  This means that your chances are far better with a professionally designed and installed system, than with a cheap package setup from a big-box store.  Ultimately there's more involved in identifying people that just having that bright, clear face shot... if a perp is well-know to the local police, for example, a poor image may still allow them to recognize the person based on other features or behaviors.  The better the image though, the more likely someone can be recognized by a member of the public, and the more likely a conviction will stand in court as it becomes harder for the defense to argue that the person in the picture isn't his client.