If you’re looking to invest in a CCTV system for your home or business, it’s important to know what you can and can’t record using CCTV.
Using CCTV as a security measure is very sensible. You absolutely have the right to use it to protect your property. However, this is only the case as long as you operate it responsibly, whilst being respectful of other people’s privacy.
Whilst you might be using the CCTV solely for the purpose of protecting your property, complaints from neighbours about CCTV are on the increase. People can sometimes believe that their privacy is at risk. And some people even think that their neighbours are using cameras to spy on them.
Because of this, you should ensure that you are using your CCTV respectfully, as well as effectively. Here are some tips to help:
Tips For Using CCTV Respectfully, and Within the Law
- Consider the impact of your CCTV system on others.
- Options like privacy filters may be used where the optimum placement of your CCTV impinges on the privacy of a neighbour. Recording a neighbour’s property could lead to complaints of breach of privacy or harassment.
- Footage must not be used for anything other than protecting your property.
- Bear in mind that if your system captures images outside of your immediate property, you become subject to the Data Protection Act.
- You should always be completely transparent about your CCTV system. Let your neighbours know you have cameras installed, and the area that the footage captures. Putting signs up to let people know about your CCTV is not only respectful to neighbours, but an extremely effective deterrent to burglars.
Storing CCTV footage or images
- You should always ensure that date and time stamps on the footage are correct.
- Regularly go through your footage and delete recordings which you no longer need. This is in order to ensure that you comply with the Data Protection Act.
- You must keep recordings safe and secure, and only grant access to those who need it.
- If your CCTV system records a criminal incident, the police may require it as evidence in an investigation.
Now that you know what you can and can’t record using CCTV, have a chat with an expert about our range of CCTV solutions. Talk to our friendly team, or give us a call on: 01257 460332.