My View on CCT Surveillance (Jim Tan, 18)

In my opinion, there are many disadvantages about CCT Surveillance.
Firstly, unless protected physically in some way, CCT cameras are vulnerable to external and internal harm. If the lens is covered by any substance, it may result in a blurred image that is impossible to be read. If a laser is pointed at the camera lens, it may temporarily blind the the camera, possibly damaging the camera if the laser is high powered. Complete protection from the lasers would require the use of black film, which would make the camera useless. The sight range of the camera is also limited and there are many blind spots. Usually CCTs are not well hidden and it easy for an experienced thief to predict the blind spots or hack the system.
However, there are also many advantages of CCT Surveillance. By installing them in shopping malls, it will cause many people to think twice before trying anything. Also, the tapes can be reviewed to check for any clues to a crime, which has proven handy in helping police solve cases.
This will intrude on some people's privacy as the CCT is turned on all day. However, it is safer, therefore it will lower the chance of a crime happening.
In the light of the recession, i think that the government should install more CCTs as although it costs alot of electricity, it would reduce the crime rate and not let any thiefs take advantage of the recession.