What is premises security?
Premises security refers to the systems that monitor, detect, and respond to security events on a property; primarily CCTV (video surveillance) and burglar alarms. CCTV provides continuous visual monitoring, evidence recording, and AI-driven behaviour detection. A burglar alarm detects physical intrusion via sensors and triggers an immediate external response; siren, lights, app alert, and monitoring centre notification. Together they provide both investigative capability and response capability.
What is the difference between CCTV and a burglar alarm?
CCTV cameras see and record; they provide evidence, enable remote viewing, and can detect specific behaviours via AI analytics. A burglar alarm detects physical intrusion; doors opening, windows breaking, motion in restricted zones, and triggers an immediate external response. The key difference is that cameras provide information and detection, while alarms provide deterrence and physical response capability. Neither fully replaces the other.
Do I need both CCTV and a burglar alarm?
Most properties benefit from both, because each addresses a gap the other cannot fill. A camera cannot sound an external siren or contact a monitoring centre. An alarm cannot identify whether the trigger was a real person, an animal, or a false alarm. Properties that have CCTV without an alarm have evidence capability but no deterrent or response. Properties with an alarm but no cameras have a response capability but no visual verification. When both are integrated, an alarm trigger automatically retrieves the relevant camera footage; so you can verify in seconds.
Can CCTV replace a burglar alarm?
No. A camera; however intelligent; cannot sound an external siren, activate flood lighting, or contact a Central Alarm Monitoring Station (CAMS). These capabilities are specific to the alarm system and cannot be replicated by a camera event. AI analytics on a camera can detect a perimeter breach and send a notification, but they cannot trigger the physical deterrent and external response chain that an alarm provides. For properties that need a response capability, an alarm is required.
Can an alarm trigger CCTV recording?
Yes. When both systems are connected on the same IP platform, an alarm event automatically retrieves pre-alarm and post-alarm footage from the camera covering the triggered zone and pushes it to designated app users alongside the alert. This means you can verify visually within seconds of receiving the alert, without needing to navigate to a separate camera system. The footage clip is also linked to the alarm event in the audit log for future reference.
Can I receive alarm alerts on my mobile phone?
Yes. Modern IP-connected alarm systems (AJAX, RISCO, Paradox) send simultaneous push notifications to all designated app users the moment an alarm triggers. The alert includes the zone that triggered and, if integrated with CCTV, a pre-alarm footage clip. You can also arm, disarm, check zone status, and manage users from the same app, without needing to be physically present at the panel.
Can existing CCTV cameras be upgraded?
Usually yes, if they are IP cameras from a major brand. IP cameras from Hikvision, Axis, Hanwha, and most ONVIF-compliant brands can typically be integrated into a new NVR if the resolution and protocol are compatible. Analogue cameras on a DVR cannot be directly integrated into an IP system; a hybrid DVR can bridge both temporarily during a phased migration. We assess compatibility during the site survey before recommending any replacement.
Can existing alarm sensors be reused?
Often yes. PIR detectors and door/window contacts from most brands are electrically compatible with new alarm panels. In many cases, a partial upgrade; new panel and app connectivity on existing sensors; is possible and significantly more cost-effective than a full replacement. The panel condition, wiring integrity, and sensor positioning are all assessed during the site survey to determine what can realistically be retained.
What is a CAMS monitoring service?
A Central Alarm Monitoring Station (CAMS) is a licensed 24-hour facility that receives alarm signals from connected properties. When your alarm triggers, the CAMS receives a signal, contacts the designated response team, and can dispatch a patrol or contact the police through authorised channels. CAMS providers in Singapore must be licensed. Securevision works with licensed CAMS operators and can advise on the appropriate monitoring level for your property type and risk profile.
Should I install CCTV or an alarm first?
If budget requires prioritising one: start with whichever addresses your primary risk. For properties where the primary concern is physical break-in detection and deterrence, start with the alarm. For properties where visual evidence, remote visibility, and monitoring of common areas are the priority, start with CCTV. In practice, both systems are most cost-effective when installed together; the cable routing, network infrastructure, and site visit costs are shared. We advise on the right combination during the site assessment.
