This invention relates to a security camera system and in particular to a camera system for deterring and/or helping apprehend burglars or other imtruders in domestic or business premises.

Premises may be protected from burglary by conventional burglar alarms which normally are triggered ither by door/window switches, floor pressure pads and/or infra-red motion detectors to sound an audible or visible alarm. The sounding of the alarm in general scares off the intruder who is long gone by the time the police arrive. More sophisticated protection is offered by video camera systems which are for constant surveillance of premises when they are unoccupied and can either be monitored on screen at a central point or recorded onto tape for later run through. However the latter are considerably more expensive both to instal and to operate than simple burglar alarm systems.

The invention seeks to provide a security camera system which is considerably cheaper and simpler than the video camera systems currently available but which augments the protection offered by conventional burglar alarms.

According to the present invention there is provided a security camera system which comprises a photographic camera adapted to take one or more photographs in response to triggering means so as to take a photograph of the person actuating the triggering means.

Preferably the camera is set up so as to take a series of photographs, for example up to ten, in quick succession. This may be done by a camera having a motor drive or by means of an externally located solenoid. The latter is probably

preferable for costs reasons.

Additionally, it is preferred that the camera be equipped with means to attract the attention of the intruder, either audible or visual. A sharp noise or buzzer may be employed or, preferably, a flash may be used. The flash may also conveniently be the same flash as would be used by the camera in dark conditions. The surprise element of the audible or visual warning would normally cause the intruder to turn and face the source of the warning and thus be captured on the camera in a front or facial view to aid recognition nad subsequent apprehension and conviction.

Advantageously the camera and associated circuitry is mounted within a strong box so that a burglar cannot remove it after it has been triggered. Alternatively, the camera may be mounted in an inaccessible position.

A primary advantage of the camera system of the invention is that it can be made relatively cheaply in comparison with video camera security systems yet nevertheless provides a photograph of an intruder which would greatly aid his apprehension by the police force. Moreover, it is only triggered when an intruder is present and does need to be constantly monitored.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, the sole figure of which is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, within a strong box 10 having a suitable aperture for the camera lens is mounted a camera 12 actuated by means of shutter release button 14. The latter is in turn actuated by a solenoid 16 controlled by circuitry 18 powered by a battery or transformer (not shown).

Into the circuitry 18 is connected a remote trigger means which

could be an infra-red sensor, a door or window switch, or a pressure pad underneath the floor covering as is well known in the field of security alarms. The camera is focused on the area where the trigger means is located.

Once an intruder actuates the triggering means a signal is sent to the solenoid 16 which operates the shutter release button 14 a predetermined number of times so as to take multiple photographs of the intruder. The camera is provided with a flash mechanism 22 so that photographs may still be taken under dark conditions. Moreover, the first flash of the series will normally cause the intruder involuntarily to look towards the source of the light and thus be captured in the second or subsequent photographs in a full facial pose to enhance the chances of latter identification.

The apparatus of the invention is simple and inexpensive, especially as the camera need not be of the highest quality. It is able to produce an excellent deterrent effect since it will take readily identifiable photographs of any intruder making subsequent detection and conviction more certain.

Figure I. Shows the Security Camera with casing, solenoid and PC? board, Batteries and or power supply are not shown but will be stored in the base of the unit.