‘Security cameras boost safety’

“Since I have the app to monitor the house, I can check the cameras from my phone, while I am on call in the hospital, to make sure there are no strangers in the garden, and that the lights are on. Since we installed the cameras I feel much safer,” Dr. Maryam said.

“We have five cameras, all outside the house - one in the back, three in the front and one on the side, so we have a good view of all main areas,” she added.

A ROP official told Times of Oman: “We not only advise but urge families to consider installing cameras in their homes, for their own safety and security as it plays a big role in deterring the thief from attempting to steal.”

Falling costs

Al Azwar Al Busaidi said: “I installed CCTV cameras four years ago, initially I decided to install them for extra security so that I can view my house. Another reason was that are cheaper to purchase nowadays, as the technology has progressed a lot.”

Al Busaidi added: “Previously, it was very expensive to have CCTV running but now with all that is available in the market, it is very cheap to purchase a CCTV system, connect it to your home internet and view it via an application on the phone.”

Night vision

“I have four outdoor cameras with night vision, and each is approximately OMR75 while the DVR is about OMR150,” Al Busaidi added

“I would advise more people to install cameras in their homes not only because of its security capabilities or that it is cheaper, but because CCTV also works as a deterrent even if it is a dummy.”

There have been cases where parents would install cameras inside their homes to monitor the housemaids.

“If you have young children inside the house, especially if they in an age where they cannot speak or defend themselves, then having cameras in the kitchen and the living room is a good idea,” Dr. Maryam said.