Choosing the right CCTV camera is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your security system — and it’s also one of the easiest places to go wrong.

In this episode of CCTV Unlocked, licensed CCTV operator John Brook breaks down exactly how to choose a camera that gives you real, usable evidence instead of wasted money and disappointing footage.

Drawing on years of experience inside a Cat 1 Gold Standard Alarm Receiving Centre, John explains why resolution isn’t everything, how lens size affects what you actually capture, and why night‑time performance matters far more than any marketing term on the box. You’ll learn the truth about colour‑at‑night cameras, the limits of AI detection, and the simple rule that separates a “nice‑to‑have” camera from one that genuinely protects your home or business.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or buying your first camera, this episode gives you the clarity you need to make smart, confident choices — without falling for the common traps that cost homeowners thousands.

Support the show by streaming sats on Fountain — it keeps CCTV Unlocked running and helps bring real security knowledge to more people.

Most homeowners think their CCTV is protecting them — but in real incidents, it often fails long before it’s ever needed.

In this episode of CCTV Unlocked, licensed CCTV operator John Brook breaks down the five biggest CCTV mistakes homeowners make, based on years of reviewing real break-ins, false alarms, and tampering attempts inside a Cat 1 Gold Standard Alarm Receiving Centre.

You’ll learn why “set and forget” systems fail, how poor lighting destroys night‑time footage, why Wi‑Fi cameras miss critical evidence, and the truth about what CCTV can and can’t do when it comes to preventing crime. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to position at least one camera for usable, evidence‑ready face capture — the detail that makes all the difference.

If you want a CCTV system that actually protects your home, this episode will help you avoid the mistakes that cost people thousands.

Support the show by streaming sats on Fountain — it keeps CCTV Unlocked running and helps bring real security knowledge to more people.

Most CCTV cameras are mounted in the wrong place — too low, too high, or at the wrong angle — and it destroys your security. In this first episode of CCTV Unlocked, licensed CCTV operator and former Cat 1 Gold ARC supervisor John Brook explains how to mount CCTV cameras properly for clear facial detail, better night vision, and real protection.

You’ll learn the correct height, angle, and placement strategy to avoid tampering and capture usable footage. John also shares a real incident from the ARC where poor mounting cost a business thousands.

If you want your CCTV system to actually work when it matters, this quick episode gives you the essential setup tips you need. Stream sats on Fountain to support the show and unlock more practical CCTV and home security guidance.