CCTV is often deployed to prospectively provide visual intelligence around public and transport environments (with varying effects to civil liberties and individual rights) and as intervention measure, intended to deter graffiti.
CCTV creates a general feeling of infallibility, but the effectiveness of all this system remains unclear. Transport operators agree to a different extent that surveillance technologies are helpful for identification of perpetrators, while its deterrence effect seems more diluted. In 2008, evaluations reported by the UK Home Office indicated that “CCTV schemes in city and town centers … as well as those on public transport, did not have a significant effect on crime”. In the same direction, it is reported that mounting evidence shows that private security and CCTV does not reduce fear of crime or actual crime and might in fact increase crime.
Using CCTV as a method to tackle with graffiti vandalism has its advantages and disadvantages. It might help to discourage some writers but some of the writers don’t seem to be too much concerned about CCTV. Some have progressively become aware of cameras and have built strategies to avoid them.