Where can I point my CCTV cameras in the UK?
Installing a CCTV system at home is an excellent idea if you want to keep your property, family and your belongings as safe as possible. A good CCTV system will include cameras, a recorder with storage and all the necessary equipment that goes with it. However, once you install the CCTV, you need to work out what you can record and can’t record. You still need to consider the privacy of all your neighbours.
CCTV camera positioning
As we mentioned above, it’s imperative to be respectful to your neighbours and their privacy. That is why, when positioning a CCTV camera, it is important to remember not to invade their privacy. Talking with the neighbours and telling them about the CCTV system is also a great idea. They might even provide input when it comes to the right angles you can use it at.
Always maintain transparency
It’s important to inform others about the existence of the CCTV system, especially people that live nearby. By doing this, you limit the number of complaints, and it will make things a whole lot better. Installing signage can be another way of informing people of your CCTV system.
Managing your current footage
The recorder for your CCTV system will manage the footage for you. Usually every 30 days your recorder will overwrite previously recorded footage. It is important that footage from the recorder is only removed or archived when it is necessary, in the event the police request it or it is to prove that an event occurred. It is also important that you ensure the time and date is correct because this can be a problem when it comes to playing back the footage. Never store any footage just because you can, as this can have serious legal consequences.
Conclusion
It’s imperative that you protect the privacy of all your neighbours and people that pass by your home whilst protecting your property. Informing them about your CCTV is important. On top of that, you don’t want to keep the footage more than you need it. Deleting it after a month is standard practice and this way you protect other people’s privacy too. It is a great idea to raise awareness regarding your CCTV by whatever means you feel works, you might not be on speaking terms with your neighbours so signage will also work.
