The extent to which CCTV can prevent crime depends on the consideration is given to all of the components of the system and where there is a detailed understanding of crime in the local area.

Unintended consequences can include increased crime, crime displacement and problems with monitoring, maintenance and upgrades. Given the significant investment required to establish and maintain a public space CCTV system, it is therefore essential that adequate planning be undertaken before embarking on this form of crime prevention. Many crime prevention outcomes are best achieved through a combination of measures, rather than relying solely on one approach, and CCTV is no exception.