home CCTV systems

[redcrx]

following a recent spate of burglary, fire and vandalism on what was a lovely estate the residents of our terrace have been wondering how we can protect our homes.
The homes back onto a park and so the rear of the properties are only overlooked by two houses and are largely in complete darkness at night.
We are in the process of coming up with ideas to prevent any further crimes or at least help us feel safer. We are getting contact details for all residents so that any trouble can be reported to them, one poor lady came home from a day trip to find her house destroyed by fire and no-one could warn her.
CCTV has been mentioned and I was wondering if anyone has any info, advice or tips as to what we should look out for.

[Iggle Piggle]

There are many good CCTV items around, but prices vary considerably. Focus DIY, B+Q, Wickes, Argos etc do some fairly simple systems.
You don't really need colour, black and white is fine, but to be used in court they need to show time and date on the recording.

Your best bet is to fit dummy camera housings that act as a deterrent, but don't bother with sort with a flashing red light on because the real ones rarely have these !
(If your getting serious, install dummy cameras, then small covert cameras that record. then if the vandals attack the dummy cameras, you've got 'em).

Neihbourhood watch is sometimes helpful.
Make sure ALL incidents are reported to the police and they should use the statistics to up the patrols, (if any) in the area.
Never an easy one, but I hope this helps.

[redcrx]

thank you very much for your reply. I shall look into dummy cameras.