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The original intent of CCTV systems was to provide store owners a measure of protection against shoplifters. This original intent has expanded and CCTV systems now provide multiple other services for business owners. The property that CCTV systems help to protect now includes physical property also.

While the utilization of CCTV systems indoors is common knowledge, many people do not recognize that there are cameras out of doors also. These cameras monitor everything from the parking lot at Wal Mart to the gas pump at the neighborhood convenience store. These cameras are there to protect the property from theft and or vandalism.

CCTV cameras that are outdoors can often be recognized. The housing that holds the camera may be the size of a loaf of bread. Alternatively the housing can be a dome that is smoked glass or glazed silver or gold. These dome housings hang like pendants from walls and light poles. The cameras that are in the domes are often mounted to pan/tilt heads and equipped with telephoto zoom lenses. These devices permit the camera to scan the entire area around the camera and are not fixed to a single location. Should trespass be viewed by the operator, the pan/tilt head can be stopped in the location of the trespass, the camera zoomed in to the trespasser and the movements of that person followed with the pan/tilt function controlled manually. This ability allows one camera to do the function of several cameras thus reducing the overall cost of the CCTV system while increasing its effectiveness.

Many security cameras are subject to vandalism. Rocks are thrown at them in an attempt to break them. Some cameras and housings are even shot with firearms. Several companies provide ballistic rated housings to combat this. The ballistic rated housing is strong enough to withstand a gunshot and provide images of the area it is trained on.

The utilization of CCTV systems at a property site, provide a cost savings for the owner of the property. An after hours security staff is no longer needed. Roving patrols of security staff can be ended. The CCTV system is alert and watching the property for the owner. The owner can be assured that the CCTV system is providing the necessary security without the expense of employees. The cost savings of eliminating security staff and replacing that staff with a CCTV system can be substantial.

With the growth and prevalence of the Internet, there no longer is a need for a security guard to be onsite to monitor the CCTV system. Through the use of the Internet and motion detection, a camera viewing a plant can transmit the images to a central station when motion is detected. The operators at the central station can notify the proper law enforcement offices if trespass is detected. Interior cameras in stores still protect against shoplifting. Exteriors of the building or plant are now likewise protected by CCTV systems. This protection is affordable, reliable and accurate. CCTV systems will, in future years become more prevalent and more and more businesses and even cities and towns will utilize this technology.