CCTV or Alarm: One Records the Break-In, the Other Sends Them Running

Caught on Camera or Caught in the Act? The Real Winner in Home Security

cctv home security + alarm security system

When it comes to protecting your home or business, the big question is simple: do you want to watch an intruder in action, or do you want to stop them in their tracks? CCTV systems are great at catching everything on camera — perfect for replaying the drama later. But alarms? They make intruders jump out of their skin and leg it before they get comfortable.

Both play a role in keeping your property safe, but if you’re after immediate action (and a little peace of mind), alarms might just take the crown. Let’s break down the battle of watching vs stopping and see which system really wins.

What CCTV Really Does? Hint: It Watches, Doesn’t Stop

CCTV has become the go-to for modern security. Big cameras on the wall, flashing little lights, and the comforting thought that everything’s being recorded. And yes, it does have its perks: intruders don’t usually love being filmed, and footage can be gold for insurance or police reports.

But here’s the catch: CCTV is a watcher, not a fighter. A determined intruder can cover the lens, spray-paint it, or even swipe the recording drive before they leave. And if you’re not watching live, the footage often only tells you what you already know — someone broke in.

In short, CCTV is like that mate who stands back and films the action on their phone. Useful later, but not much help in the moment.

What Alarms Really Do? Spoiler: They Shout and Scare!

Alarms don’t sit quietly and watch. The second someone forces a door or cracks a window, they explode into action — sirens blaring, lights flashing, and sometimes even a direct ping to you or a monitoring centre. It’s loud, it’s disruptive, and it’s exactly what an intruder doesn’t want.

Unlike cameras, alarms don’t care if you’re home or away. That sudden shock factor makes most burglars bolt before they get anywhere near your valuables. And with modern systems running on backup batteries and mobile networks, cutting the power doesn’t silence them.

Think of alarms as the mate who jumps up, shouts the house down, and scares troublemakers off before things get messy. They don’t just record the drama — they stop it.

Watching vs Stopping – The Big Security Showdown

So here’s the real difference: CCTV is all about watching, while alarms are all about stopping.

CCTV gives you evidence, but only after the fact. It’s like rewinding the security drama to see how it unfolded.
Alarms create instant chaos for the intruder. The noise alone is enough to cut their plans short and send them scrambling. View access control solutions.

Both have their place — cameras can discourage would-be burglars, and alarms can scare off the determined ones. But if you had to choose between a silent film of the break-in or a system that makes intruders run for it? The winner’s clear.

Why Alarms Pack the Punch CCTV Can’t

Here’s the blunt truth: CCTV is reactive, alarms are proactive. Cameras wait for something bad to happen, alarms jump into action the moment it does. That difference is huge when you think about real-world break-ins.

Burglars know cameras can be covered, cut, or ignored. But an alarm? It’s a noisy, unpredictable wildcard that makes their job way too risky. And when that siren wails, neighbours notice, pets bark, lights come on — the whole scene gets messy fast.

On top of that, modern alarms aren’t just bells and whistles anymore. Many link straight to your phone, alert a monitoring team, or trigger automated smart home responses. CCTV might give you a video, but alarms give you time — time to react, time for neighbours to call, and time for police to get moving.

It’s the difference between watching a replay of the action, or cutting the show short before it even begins.

The Smart Move? Using Both Together

Now, while alarms clearly steal the spotlight, CCTV isn’t useless. In fact, the two make a pretty solid tag team. Cameras can ward off the “maybe” burglars, while alarms send the serious ones packing. And if someone does manage to slip in, you’ve got both the evidence and the real-time response covered.

Think of it like this: CCTV is your eyes, alarms are your voice. One keeps watch, the other shouts when trouble shows up. Put them together, and you’ve got layered security that’s far harder to beat.

But if budget or priorities force you to pick? Go with the option that doesn’t just watch trouble unfold — go with the one that actually kicks it out the door.

The Cost of CCTV vs Alarm Systems in WA

When comparing full security setups in Western Australia, the cost difference between CCTV and alarm systems isn’t huge — but alarms often sit slightly higher, especially when professional monitoring is included.

Alarm Systems: A full home alarm setup covering multiple entry points (including control panel, sensors, backup battery, and guard/monitoring notification) can cost around $3,000–$3,500+. Ongoing monitoring fees may also apply, depending on the provider.
CCTV Systems: A quality 4–6 camera package with HD/6MP resolution, a recording hard drive, and backup power typically costs around $1,800–$3,200+. Larger properties or businesses that need more cameras will see higher costs.

In short:

Alarms can be a little more expensive up front, but that’s because they deliver active deterrence and immediate response.
CCTV can come in slightly cheaper, but it’s primarily a recording and monitoring tool, not a direct intruder deterrent.

Costs will also vary depending on the provider, system features, and whether you choose professional monitoring, but the trend is clear: in WA, full alarm systems often carry a slightly higher price tag than CCTV — and for good reason.

Whether you need alarms, CCTV, or a complete integrated system, Commercial Locksmiths Perth can design and install the right solution for your business.