CCTV installation & repair in Colchester

Not every call from Colchester is for a new system. Many are for CCTV that has stopped working properly, often fitted by someone who is no longer around. We repair systems of any make, find the actual fault with a tester rather than guessing, and replace only what has failed.

• A camera's been knocked or damaged

  Likely cause

  Weather, a ladder or deliberate tampering has moved or broken it.

  How we fix it

  Realign or replace it with a tougher vandal-resistant model.

• Old system too poor to identify anyone

  Likely cause

  Ageing analogue cameras and a recorder near the end of its life.

  How we fix it

  Upgrade cameras and recorder, reusing good existing cable where we can.

• Recorder beeping or showing errors

  Likely cause

  Disk errors, overheating in a cupboard, or a network clash.

  How we fix it

  Diagnose the error, replace failed parts and give the recorder space to stay cool.

• Camera showing 'no signal' or 'video loss'

  Likely cause

  A failed power supply, a dead network port or water in a junction box.

  How we fix it

  Trace the fault with a cable tester and replace the supply, connector or cable.

Older systems can often be brought up to date in stages: a new recorder first, then cameras as budget allows, using the cable already in the walls. Every repair finishes with a check of each camera by day and after dark, and a test playback from your phone.

For family homes in Highwoods, Lexden, Prettygate, Mile End and Stanway, a system of two to four cameras usually covers the front door, driveway, side gate and garden. We use 4K cameras with clear night vision, so you can recognise faces and see what's happening, not just movement. Recordings are kept on a recorder in your home with no monthly fee, and the app alerts you when someone arrives.

In the Victorian terraces of New Town and Old Heath, and the narrow streets of the Dutch Quarter, homes often open straight onto the pavement. A compact front camera or video doorbell and a camera covering the back gate usually works best, angled so it covers your property rather than the street.

Colchester's newer developments at Severalls, Stanway and the former garrison land are popular with families who want cameras from day one. We often install CCTV alongside extra network points and WiFi, so cameras, doorbells and smart devices all have a reliable connection.

With the University of Essex nearby and a large rental market, many landlords want CCTV covering front doors, side passages, bins and bike stores. We position and mask cameras so they don't record inside rooms or neighbouring property, and can link them with door entry and access control for shared houses and small blocks.

In the Dutch Quarter, Lexden and around East Hill, many homes are listed or sit within the conservation area. We choose small, neutral cameras, fix into mortar joints rather than historic brick, and hide cabling, so security doesn't spoil the building. We'll tell you if a camera might need listed building consent.