How CCTV Reduces Vandalism in Schools: A Guide to Cost Savings and Safety
School vandalism is a costly and disruptive problem, with UK schools spending a collective £800 million on vandalism repairs in 2023 alone. This equates to an average of £26,575 per school - a significant drain on resources that could be otherwise invested in education and facilities.
Vandalism repair costs force schools to divert funds away from their core mission, reducing budgets for vital programs, educational materials, and facility improvements.
More disturbing still is the fact that this figure is almost double that of 2022, and the figure is expected to have increased yet again in 2024.
In this article, we explore how CCTV systems help combat vandalism in schools, the financial benefits of installing surveillance cameras, and why CCTV can be a worthwhile investment for any educational institution. CCTV systems are helping schools drastically reduce vandalism, saving money, and providing a safer environment for students and staff alike.
On average, a professionally installed CCTV system will reduce instances of vandalism by over 50%.
How CCTV Reduces Vandalism in Schools
CCTV systems serve as a powerful deterrent to would-be vandals. They help to reduce vandalism in school in the following ways:
- Visible Deterrence
The presence of surveillance cameras makes potential vandals think twice about causing damage. Knowing they are being watched, individuals are far less likely to engage in destructive behaviour. Studies show that CCTV reduces vandalism in schools by an average of 50%, helping schools cut repair costs significantly. - Enhanced Monitoring
CCTV provides around-the-clock monitoring, allowing schools to monitor entrances, corridors, and key areas, even when staff members are absent. This constant vigilance means incidents can be quickly addressed or prevented. - Improved Accountability
Surveillance footage helps identify those responsible for vandalism. Knowing that CCTV cameras are capturing evidence will deter students or outsiders from damaging property, as they risk being caught and held accountable. - A Tool for Law Enforcement
When vandalism does occur, CCTV footage serves as crucial evidence for law enforcement. Schools that have been targeted repeatedly by vandals can work with the police to identify suspects and take appropriate action. This ultimately prevents future incidents by discouraging repeat offenders.
Financial Benefits of CCTV for Schools
Investing in CCTV reduces the direct costs of vandalism and, in most instances, often pays for itself from the money saved. Schools with CCTV typically report a 50% reduction in vandalism repair costs, allowing schools to save significant amounts of money, which can then be reinvested into educational resources and campus improvements.
For instance, if a school was previously spending the UK average of £26,575 on vandalism repair, cutting that cost by half with CCTV could save around £13,287 annually.
Is Leasing an Option?
AIS offer a variety of payment options. Recent changes to leasing rules mean that schools are now able to lease CCTV equipment, enabling schools to enjoy its significant benefits, while avoiding the need for large upfront financial outlay.
Leasing a CCTV system allows the school to significantly reduce vandalism-related costs, often resulting in savings exceeding the monthly lease payments. This means the system pays for itself over time.
Additional Safety and Behavioural Benefits of CCTV in Schools
While CCTV is an effective measure against vandalism, it also offers other significant benefits to schools:
- Increased Student Safety
Surveillance systems enhance campus safety by monitoring areas where bullying or other problematic behaviours might occur, helping staff address issues more effectively and ensuring a safer student environment. - Unauthorised Access Prevention
CCTV also helps deter unauthorised individuals from entering the school grounds, reducing the risk of theft, disruption, or other incidents. - Improved Behaviour
Many schools report that CCTV contributes to better student behaviour. When students know they are under surveillance, they are less likely to engage in misconduct, creating a more positive and disciplined school environment.
How to Implement CCTV Effectively in Schools
When implementing CCTV, schools should consider the following best practices to ensure maximum effectiveness:
- Identify Key Areas for Monitoring
AIS Security offers a FREE security audit of the premises. Consulting with your team, we will identify vulnerable areas such as entrances, hallways, sports facilities, and places where incidents are most likely to occur. We will then design your system, taking into consideration the DORI scale and industry best practices. We will present you with detailed costs, an installation plan, and assist you in the creation of your CCTV Policy, etc. - Installation of the latest 4K Cameras
Our high-resolution cameras come with full-colour night vision capabilities to improve footage clarity, helping to capture useful evidence in all lighting conditions. The DORI standard should be referred to when selecting the camera for each position. - Maintain Regular Checks and Updates
Regular maintenance of CCTV systems is essential to ensure they continue functioning correctly. Upgrading outdated systems can also enhance effectiveness and keep the school secure. - Prioritise Privacy and Compliance
Schools should always be mindful of privacy regulations, ensuring that cameras are placed responsibly and that students, parents, and staff are aware of their purpose.
Conclusion: CCTV as a Smart Investment for Schools
For schools struggling with vandalism, CCTV provides a solution that reduces damage and cuts repair bills significantly, usually paying for itself. By deterring potential vandals and creating a safer environment, CCTV allows schools to focus their budgets on what truly matters—education.
As more schools see the benefits of surveillance, CCTV is quickly becoming a cornerstone of effective school security in the UK.
Schedule a call with our team today.
