CCTV can be a helpful burglar deterrent in the event of an actual incident, as the Wi-Fi camera will provide valuable evidence for the police and may help in claiming on your insurance. However, to fully protect your home the best advice is to invest in a whole-home security system.

Security cameras are a great solution for deterring burglars and overseeing your property, no matter the location. You can choose from floodlight cameras, external and internal wireless cameras, and video doorbells.

Outdoor cameras are a great idea for keeping your driveway, vehicles and garden safe. Modern CCTV cameras are motion-triggered, meaning they start recording as soon as any movement is detected within a specified vicinity, so you'll be immediately notified about any trespassers. Thanks to video storage, you can review and revisit the recording at any time.

CCTV

To combine safety with everyday use, consider installing a video doorbell. This handy device allows you to welcome visitors thanks to built-in two-way communication, meaning you can not only see who's at your door but also speak to them even if you're not at home. Video doorbells are one of the most effective mail theft deterrents, allowing you to keep an eye on your letterbox.

For further advice on where to fit your security cameras to protect your home to the fullest, without disturbing your neighbour’s privacy, read this handy guide by our sponsors, ERA.

CCTV systems should always protect the privacy of others. CCTV installation has been the subject of many disputes (between neighbours, complaints to the police, and Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)). If you plan to install CCTV, get it installed from a company accredited by the National Security Inspectorate or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board - and get quotes from three accredited companies. 

If your camera captures images outside your own property, such as of the pavement, a walkway that runs behind your house, or at the end of a cul-de-sac, those images are subject to the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA18) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforced by the ICO. The Data Protection Act 2018 gives everyone the right to see information captured about them, such as images of them or their car number plate. It also sets strict rules that CCTV operators must follow when gathering, storing, and releasing CCTV images of individuals.  

If you collect footage that may be used to identify offenders, you should only share this with the police or other relevant law enforcement bodies, such as the local authority (e.g. in the case of fly-tipping). We recommend that you do not share information or images on social media or by other means that could enable a person you suspect to be responsible for an offence to be identified, either from a photograph, a car registration number, CCTV footage or by naming them unless this information has been supplied and/or approved by the police to share in this manner. Doing so could jeopardise a police investigation or lead to wrongful suspicion. Any repercussions from such activity will not be covered under the Public Liability Insurance currently offered to Neighbourhood Watch schemes by Neighbourhood Watch Network. 

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