What you need to know about CCTV in the home

With crime back in the headlines, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were considering beefing up the security of your home or business. The recent crime statistics show a rise in crime in the UK and in particular, an increase of 13% in the 12 months to June. Domestic burglary specifically, has risen for the first time after a number of years of falling rates and this is what has homeowners considering installing or adding security features to their homes where they may already have an alarm system fitted.

One feature that is being considered is that of closed circuit TV (CCTV). The cost of installing a CCTV system has dropped over the last few years making it a more cost-effective deterrent for homes and businesses. To help you decide whether or not this is the right option for you we have put together a quick checklist of things to consider:

What the law says

There is no law against fitting a CCTV system to your home. However, there a certain things you need to keep in mind such as:

• Balancing your security with individuals’ privacy rights. Your system must not be intrusive on your neighbours or passers-by. You may be subject to the Data Protection Act if your camera captures information that is outside the limits of your property – such as the pavement in front of it for example.
• Informing people that CCTV is in operation. As well as informing your neighbours you should also consider adding a sign visible to those passing outside your property that you are recording.
• Taking responsibility for what you record and using it for the sole purpose of protecting your property.
• Storing the information you capture correctly – i.e. with the correct date and time stamp – and deleting it when you no longer need it. It should also be stored securely with restricted access to prevent unauthorised use.

IP rating

The IP rating, which stands for Ingress Provision, is a measure of how protected the cameras are from external effects such as rain, wind, and hail. The rule of thumb is that the higher the rating, the better.

Night vision

Your outdoor cameras should be fitted with a night vision capability (i.e. infrared sensors and LED lights that come on automatically after dark) so that they are able to record at night.

Image quality and resolution

Just like the camera you take on holiday, the higher the resolution the better the images. The lens you choose will also be important and the position of each camera will determine the best lens to use. A smaller lens size will cover a wider area, while a larger one can focus on a fixed point such as a gate or doorway.

Thinking of installing CCTV in your home? Then talk to us at DNA Security – we can advise on the right system to choose as well as the details and how to stay within the law. Take advantage of our years of experience by calling us on 01424 718 844 for an initial chat or to make an appointment.