Everything you need to know about van CCTV
4 Channel AHD DVR
○ 4 Channels
Mini Cab Camera
○ 1/4” CMOS Sensor AR0141
○ Tilt Adjusting -52°~+52°
Van CCTV Installation
Protecting your van has never been more important with van thefts on the rise. Your tools and equipment are expensive and a simple CCTV system installed in your van can not only protect your equipment but can protect you personally when driving.
With social media videos going viral and the news currently focused on van theft, protecting your livelihood has never been so big. Small businesses are suffering from this ‘epidemic’ of van tool thefts and this news article states it’s due to a new skeleton key.
Van owners are being forced to look at additional security when leaving their vehicles unguarded or face the reality of not having work the following day.
Figures as high as one van every 23 minutes is broken into in the UK and that is a 30% increase on the previous year.
One study showed that individuals a few years ago would apply pressure on the van door with their knees before peeling the door down from the top. It has now taken an even scarier turn as these thieves are using electronic key fobs to break into vehicles and show no signs of damage (these fobs are being sold for £30 on stores such as Amazon and eBay).
CCTV Kit Options
2 Camera Kit (SD Version)
○ 2x 720p ST815 CCTV Cameras
○ 1x 128GB Sandisk SD card
○ 2x 10M RCM extension cables
○ 2x 5M RCM extension cables
○ 112mm (L) x 138mm (W) x 36mm (D)
4 Camera Kit (SD Version)
○ 4x 720p ST815 CCTV Cameras
○ 1x 128GB Sandisk SD card
○ 2x 10M RCM extension cables
○ 2x 5M RCM extension cables
○ 112mm (L) x 138mm (W) x 36mm (D)
4 Camera Kit (HDD Version)
○ 4x 720p ST815 CCTV Cameras
○ 1x 1TB Barracuda Hard-Drive
○ 2x 10M RCM extension cables
○ 2x 5M RCM extension cables
○ 188mm (L) x 187mm (W) x 67mm (D)
SURE Analogue HD Recorders
When installing CCTV security onto a sprinter or vito van we will usually offer either the 8 channel SURE MDVR or a Timespace recorder such as their 8 channel DVRV400. The SURE MDVR offers either 4 or 8 channels of analogue high-definition which captures video at 720p or higher.
These recorders are E-Marked meaning they meet all vehicle electronic standards and come with software which makes them capable of live viewing video and vehicle tracking.
Timespace Analogue Recorders
The Timespace recorder can offer up to 16 channels of standard analogue recording. 1 channel of 1080p HD IP recording and up to 4TB of hard-drive storage space, however, 16 channels is unecessary for this vehicle size,
The digital video recorder uses H.264 compression to reduce file sizes to a fraction of their original size whilst maintaining video quality. The Timespace products are fully compatible with LANLink and PCLink meaning footage can be easily reviewed and this product is e-marked meaning it can be put onto vehicles with all the correct approvals.
Digital Video Recorders for Vans
Digital Video Recorder
○ E-Marked
Digital Video Recorder
○ 8, 12 or 16 Channels
Stortech High-Definition Analogue (AHD)
Stortech offer two analogue high-definition dome cameras for vehicle fitting which are e-marked and produce 960p footage.
- 960p HD Resolution: 960p also known as Super XGA is high definition footage captured in a 4:3 aspect ratio.
- IP67 Weatherproofing: This range is protected with up to Ingress Protection IP67 making all three of these Stortech domes useful for both indoor and outdoor fitting.
- Can be Wedge or Flush Mounted: Often when fitting these dome cameras to a vehicle we would use a wedge to create the ideal camera angle so that you can capture a variety of different images where passengers are present.
D057-AHD-S With 850nm of Infrared Radiation
- 850nm IR: 850nm is 30% more effective when illuminating over distance than its covert IR counterpart, however, it will produce a faint red glow which could be mistaken for a brake light. We recommend not using this camera on the outside rear of the vehicle and generally this camera would be used internally where dark spots occur.
Analogue High Definition Van Cameras
HD Dome Camera
○ Stortech D056C650-AHD
○ 2.5mm Lens
○ 960p HD Resolution
○ IR Cut Filter
○ AHD CMOS Sensor
○ IP67 Weatherproofing
○ Flush/Wedge Mounted
○ E-Marked
HD IR Dome Camera
○ Stortech D057-AHD-S
○ 2.5 or 3.6mm Lens
○ 850nm Infrared Radiation
○ 960p HD Resolution
○ CMOS Sensor
○ IP67 Weatherproofing
○ Flush/Wedge Mounted
○ E-Marked
Analogue High-Definition Cab Cameras
The driver’s cab and the rear storage of a vehicle are often fitted with a more compact cab camera. The benefit of using the cab cameras is that the footage recorded is captured in high-definition and is easily connected to our MDVR range for quick installation. This means you are able to identify people entering and exiting the vehicle as well as monitoring the driver’s behaviour whilst operating a van, HGV or taxi.
On the SURE Transport website, we offer CCTV kits that have been pre-built for van and HGV use. We offer two 4 camera kits, one with a hard-drive and one which uses SD cards. For more information click here
Cab Camera Benefits
- Compact Camera
- Integration with Other On-Board Systems
- High-Definition Recording (HD)
- Tilt Adjustment for Ideal Recording Angles
- IP67 Weatherproofing
- Plug and Play / Easy Installation
- Lightweight
Miniature Van Cab Cameras
Mini Cab Camera
○ 1/4” CMOS Sensor AR0141
○ Tilt Adjusting -52°~+52°
Mini Cab Camera
○ 1/4” CMOS sensor AR0141
○ TV System: PAL
○ 1280(H)*720(V)
○ 1.0M pixels
○ F2.3mm Standard Lens
○ 12V DC ±10%
○ IP67 weatherproofing
Stortech Analogue Cameras
Stortech are extremely popular with the bus, coach, van and heavy goods vehicle industries with over 30 years of experience developing cameras suitable for transport.
- Can be Wedge or Flush Mounted: Often when fitting these dome cameras to a vehicle we would use a wedge to create the ideal camera angle so that you can capture a variety of different images where passengers are present.
- Up to IP67 Weatherproofing: This range is protected with up to Ingress Protection IP67 making all three of these Stortech domes useful for both indoor and outdoor fitting.
- 2DNR Digital Noise Reduction: 2DNR will analyse individual frames of video and correct pixels that are being affected by noise.
D053-DPX With Wide Dynamic Range
- Wide Dynamic Range: D053-DPX comes with wide dynamic range meaning when part of an image is extremely bright but another part is so dark that you can’t see any details it will correct/balance the difference in lighting to create one level, clear image.
D057-650-COV With 940nm of Infrared Radiation
- 940nm Covert IR: D057-650-COV is our 940nm covert IR option of the D057. 940nm also known as ‘covert IR‘ will not produce a red glow whilst recording which makes it the ideal camera to use on vehicles where red signals could be confusing e.g. brake lights. This camera is safe to use both internally or externally where lighting may be limited and is often used in the footwell of the driver cab or on the outside of the vehicle for use through tunnels or during night.
What is IP Rating IP67?
IP or Ingress Protection ratings are international standard ratings to define the sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against dirt, moisture and foreign bodies. The first number that follows IP has a specific meaning which indicates the level of protection the equipment has to foreign bodies excluding water. The second number will identify the level of protection the product has to moisture (submersion, drips, sprays etc).
(6) Totally dust-tight. Full protection against dust and other particulates, including a vacuum seal, tested against continuous airflow.
(7) Protection against full immersion for up to 30 minutes at depths of 3 feet.
Analogue Van Cameras
WDR Dome Camera
○ Stortech D053-DPX(S)
○ 3.6mm Lens
○ Wide Dynamic Range
○ 550TVL Resolution
○ CMOS Sensor
○ IP66 Weatherproofing
○ Flush/Wedge Mounted
○ E-Marked
Dome Camera
○ Stortech D056C650
○ 2.5, 2.9 & 3.6mm Lens
○ 650TVL Resolution
○ CCD Sensor
○ IP67 Weatherproofing
○ Flush/Wedge Mounted
○ Polycarbonate Housing
○ E-Marked
IR Dome Camera
○ Stortech D057-650-COV
○ 940nm Infrared Radiation
○ 2.5, 2.9 & 3.6mm Lens
○ 650TVL Resolution
○ CCD Sensor
○ IP67 Weatherproofing
○ Flush/Wedge Mounted
○ E-Marked
Drivers Monitors Vigilant Vision
A driver’s monitor is a compact monitor which is often located in the driver cab of a bus or coach and is mounted to the overhead area. Drivers monitors are used by the driver to monitor both the passenger entrance and exit doors to ensure everyone is safe when entering or leaving the vehicle.
Another function of the driver monitor is that, alike modern domestic cars, when reverse is selected in the vehicle the driver will be able to see live footage of the surrounding obstacles through the rear camera.
Often, SURE Transport will supply a 5″ Vigilant Vision monitor as these are popular in the vehicle industry, are e-marked, remote operated and extremely compact.
Monitors for Vans
5″ Drivers Monitor
○ Overhead In Drivers Cab
○ Monitor Passenger Entrance and Exit Doors
○ Displays Reverse Camera
○ 5″ Compact Design
○ E-Marked for Vehicle Use
○ Remote Control Operated
What do you Aim to Capture with your Vehicle Camera?
Van Internal and External CCTV
A lot of this advice is all dependant on the customer and what they aim to capture with their vehicle cameras. The typical van layout we recommend can be seen on the picture labeled (Sprinter CCTV layout).
The ideal amount of cameras would be between 3-5 for a van of this size. Ideally, you’d want one camera on the rear of the vehicle, one on the front and one protecting the goods being transported in the van.
The optional extras could be either mounted on the sides of the vehicle or positioned facing the driver to ensure they weren’t distracted at the time of an event, such as a crash.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Cameras, DVRs and Accessories
1) Do you require the video footage to be HD?
Video footage can be recorded using either standard analogue, analogue high definition or internet protocol (IP) cameras. The AHD and IP cameras we offer are 720p+ and can be found on the equipment page of our website.
2) Choosing the digital video recorder for your needs
With typical van space, most fleets would only require a 4 channel DVR system. If more cameras are needed you can get up to 9 cameras in HD quality using the MDVR equipment found here.
The Timespace DVRs we provide don’t offer high definition recording, however, these can offer from 16-24 channels making them capable of handling more cameras than the MDVR range and generally better for the bus and coach market.
3) What camera should I choose?
If you have chosen to go down the route of a HD capable DVR then you would probably look to install the AHD dome cameras e.g. the D056C650-AHD or the D057-AHD-S.
The only differentiation between the D056 and the D057 option is that the D057 offers infrared 940nm covert recording. What this means is that it can record clear footage at night with zero red glow and often makes it the better option for the outside of a vehicle.
Another option with HD capability would be the miniature cab cameras ‘SV6’ or the ‘ST815’.
4) Accessory options
Accessories in a van are just nice to have but not essential. If you wanted 4G in your vehicle to view live footage then that’s possible. If you required a driver or passenger monitor then we could install this also. If you want to see our range available then click here
What do the police suggest when securing your van?
“Leicestershire Police is warning local van owners to be vigilant after a recent increase in tool theft from vans.
Van owners are being urged to follow these simple steps to prevent them from becoming a victim:
- if you are staying in a hotel, where possible remove your tools from your van and keep them in your room overnight
- don’t assume your vehicle has locked properly using a key fob lock. Criminals can use devices which block the signal. Always check your doors are locked before leaving your vehicle unattended
- if you have a garage, use it. If your van is parked on a driveway, consider installing security lighting. If neither of these applies, try to park in well-lit areas
- consider alarming the vehicle or fitting an internal security cage when tools and equipment are not being used, ensure they are kept securely in a lockable store rather than in your vehicle
- consider whether the storage area can be alarmed. If the equipment is portable, take it with you
- don’t leave tools in vehicles unattended or overnight, and place a sign in the window stating they have been removed
- lock/immobilise vehicles and equipment when not in use
- visibly mark your machinery and tools using an engraving or chemical etching kit or use a forensic marking kit. Place a sticker in your window to say you have done so – the signage alone can be a very effective deterrent
- keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks. You can do this at immobilise.com. This will help to trace them back to you if they are recovered
- consider the use of security patrols around building sites
- keep the access to building sites secure – fences and gates help prevent unauthorised entry
- if you have any suspicious visitors on your site please call the Police non-emergency number 101.”
