With the Home Office anticipating an increase in overall crime figures - based on previous downturns - now more than ever, the BSIA believes, that existing security systems and procedures should be maintained. There may even be a case for additional investment to protect assets and people and to realise long-term savings in terms of the impact of crime on public and commercial areas.

BSIA CCTV section chairman, Pauline Norstrom, comments: "According to recent media reports, some local authorities may be contemplating cutting back on their proactive CCTV monitoring provision. Such a decision should not be taken lightly. A withdrawal of funding will leave town and city centres vulnerable to what can be serious incidents to which a CCTV operative could previously have quickly responded. The Police and emergency services will not receive the timely information they require to make prevention decisions and target their resources. This can leave people and assets at a higher level of risk."

"CCTV has revolutionised crime detection and prevention in our communities and successfully contributed to many high profile prosecutions. By removing a key element - the CCTV operator - the town centre CCTV systems will be effectively inferior to those which would have been operated 10 or 20 years ago. The necessity of being able to take proactive action regarding incidents in the here and now, rather than simply reviewing images after the real damage has been done, cannot be overstated."

Recession-related crime only highlights the need for investment in stringent security measures to not only prevent crime but also curb the financial, physical and emotional impact that becoming a victim of crime can have. Many businesses and public sector bodies may decide to cut back on security when times get tough but realistically this is the time when adequate or even increased security makes more sense.