The next time you go to simlim square...

Have a look at the number of security cameras installed in every shop. One medium sized shop seemed to have no less than 6 cameras hanging from thin ceiling mounted points, no doubt strategically placed to spy from above. A deterrent for the opportunistic shoplifter.

Here is the interesting bit, if every shop were to have on the average 5 such cameras, and on every level there would be an approximately 40 shops, and the building having 5 levels of IT shopping, thats an approximate 40 x 5 x 5 = 1000 cameras in all. (some shops have more than 5 cameras, the walkways have cameras too, some shops in the secluded spots might not even have cameras) so 1000 cameras are probably a safe estimation of their numbers.

Who is watching the videos? is there a room with people watching the footage in real time? Probably not right? lets say one person can only pay attention to 10 screens at once. (Attention being full attention and discerning ability during peak periods of shopping activity) Hire 100 people to monitor them real time? Sounds abit far fetched. And where is such a room if it exists? the upper levels of simlim? Surely the wires and video feeds must go somewhere? Or are there mini HDDs plastered next to the cameras, capable of recording days of video? Only to be extracted when there is a need to?

So if it is not real time viewing, that would mean recording footage that is to be used when there is a reported crime/theft. If this is so.... there would be alot of missing stocks in shops there. After all, whats the use of recorded footage if the crime has already been done? (ok i suppose they can hunt thieves down with face recognition programs, but if some are smart to evade camera detection.. then what? maybe thats why the graphic cards and ram are behind the counter. Things like CDs, albums, mice, DVD writers, sound cheap enough when compared to the ram, processors, HDD and cards behind the counter. And who is capable enough to pull of a heist of xboxes, LCD monitors and speakers from a shop in full view right?


And the biggest possibility of all.. not all cameras are functional. maybe none of the cameras work (except those in larger, popular shops and walkways). IT hardware is dirt cheap from the suppliers, it really does not take much to install wall mounts and place cheapo cameras with showy wires to give a false perception. But who is going to call their bluff right?