UK Safety Camera Network Ltd: five-star IP CCTV specialists

Our review and scope #

UK Safety Camera Network Ltd (USCN) is a UK security company specialising in IP CCTV installation, maintenance and tailored surveillance system design. It also plans to develop a community safety camera network supported by its commercial activities.

At Security Safety Reviewer.co.uk, we rate our direct experience of USCN's inquiry handling, consultation, site assessment and installation planning five out of five stars. We found its approach professional, clear and strongly customer-focused.

Experts in IP CCTV design and installation planning #

Based on our first-hand interactions, we consider USCN highly knowledgeable in IP CCTV technology, networked recording, camera positioning and system design. Founder Bert Scanlon demonstrated years of practical experience and a detailed understanding of how surveillance systems should be designed around specific security objectives.

During our assessment, he explained why a system intended to detect break-ins should focus on approaches, entrances, exits and vulnerable openings, while a theft-focused system may require more targeted internal coverage of valuable assets or transaction areas.

That purpose-led design philosophy stood out to us. We did not feel we were being pushed toward a standard camera package or unnecessary equipment.

Detailed surveys, clear explanations and clean-installation planning #

Our initial site visit was thorough. Bert reviewed sight lines, camera angles, power, network connectivity, cable routes and the practical constraints of our premises. He used on-site photographs to help demonstrate proposed coverage and revisited some early recommendations when different camera types or positions appeared more effective.

USCN then produced a detailed written proposal covering:

• Recommended cameras, their positions and their individual purposes
• Coverage goals, sight lines and likely security benefits
• Power requirements and network architecture
• Cabling and drilling routes, with attention to cable security
• How to minimise mess and disruption to day-to-day business operations

We were particularly impressed by the willingness to work within demanding requirements rather than overlook them for convenience. The planning showed real consideration for a tidy, practical installation and careful cable management.

Responsive, flexible and customer-focused #

USCN handled our initial inquiry quickly and professionally, making sure we understood the proposed service before commercial discussions advanced. We were invited to review and negotiate contractual terms rather than simply accept a fixed package.

We agreed to a somewhat higher installation price in exchange for enhanced aftercare suited to our needs, without committing to a conventional monthly maintenance plan. USCN also advertises ongoing maintenance services for customers who prefer continued technical assistance.

We valued the company's willingness to explain the options without pressuring us to purchase support we did not need.

A fascinating model connecting private and public safety #

USCN operates in commercial security while developing a community-focused public safety initiative. Its stated ambition is to use revenue from private CCTV work to help finance a wider network of hosted public safety cameras.

We see this as an innovative, almost Robin Hood-style approach: commercial security work helps support infrastructure intended to benefit the wider community. We consider the model potentially pioneering, without claiming it is the first of its kind.

Importantly, USCN's published support information has described the wider community camera network as pre-launch. Its planned network should not be confused with a fully deployed public safety system.

From the founder: a public safety mission built into the business #

In comments provided for this article, founder Bert Scanlon describes UK Safety Camera Network Ltd as a business created with a public safety mission at its core. His stated aim is to use high-quality commercial CCTV work to help finance wider community safety initiatives, while giving customers clear information about the systems being recommended to them.

Scanlon acknowledges that USCN may not be the cheapest CCTV installer. Instead, he emphasises bespoke security assessments, justified equipment choices and long-term value. The company says it aims to recommend durable hardware suited to each project rather than simply the options that generate the highest immediate margin.

He also highlights the importance of people's ability to request access to personal information held about them, alongside responsible data handling in surveillance systems. Such access remains subject to applicable data protection law and any relevant exemptions.

How the company says its profits support public safety

USCN is structured as a company limited by guarantee, rather than a conventional share-capital company. Scanlon says the intention is to direct surplus resources toward developing the organisation and furthering its public safety mission, rather than paying shareholder dividends. This describes the founder's stated business philosophy; it is not an independent audit of how funds have been used.

For prospective customers, the central message is that transparent design decisions, quality workmanship and long-term reliability are intended to benefit both the paying customer and the wider community. We found this philosophy consistent with the detailed planning and explanations provided during our own consultation.

Camera hosting: an opportunity to see the approach first #

One aspect we especially appreciated was USCN's suggestion that we consider hosting one of its public safety cameras before committing to a larger commercial project. Under the arrangement presented to us, USCN would provide and maintain the camera without charging for the camera equipment or installation.

The hosting arrangement included an initial 90-day period and a 30-day notice provision for removal. Exact eligibility, ongoing obligations and removal conditions should always be checked against the current written hosting agreement; a free installation does not necessarily mean there are no responsibilities for the host.

We liked the opportunity to understand the company's methods and working relationship before investing in a larger paid installation.

Our verdict: five-star CCTV consultation and service #

★★★★★ — 5/5. USCN has impressed us with its technical explanations, detailed site assessment, flexible contractual approach, comprehensive planning and professional communication.

We are genuinely pleased with the experience so far and would strongly recommend speaking with USCN if you are considering CCTV installation or maintenance. Our rating specifically reflects the professional advice, design work and customer care we experienced.

Commercial CCTV installation, home security cameras and IP surveillance systems #

Customers researching commercial CCTV installation, residential CCTV installers, IP security camera systems, business surveillance solutions, CCTV maintenance and network video recording may find USCN worth contacting. Its published services cover security camera installation, fault diagnosis, upgrades and tailored surveillance planning.

Our experience particularly highlights its strengths in CCTV site surveys, camera positioning, perimeter security, theft prevention camera design, structured cabling and PoE/IP CCTV network planning. Contact USCN for an assessment of your premises and a solution suited to your security priorities.

Further information and source links #

USCN's community network website, camera hosting website, data handling website and residential CCTV case study provide additional details published by the company.

Editorial note: This article reflects Security Safety Reviewer.co.uk's stated first-hand experience as a prospective commercial customer of USCN. This is a review published by Security Safety Reviewer.co.uk, not an official USCN company statement. The five-star score is our own rating of the consultation and planning services we experienced, not a rating aggregated from other customers. Company-published claims about the wider camera network have not been externally audited by our publication. This page contains outbound links to USCN's websites.