Where Can I Point My CCTV Cameras? A Guide For Homeowners 

Are you considering purchasing a set of CCTV cameras for your home or perhaps have just purchased some new CCTV systems and have asked yourself ‘Where can I point my CCTV cameras’, well you’re not alone. Many homeowners are often unfamiliar with the legalities around where you are able to point CCTV cameras placed on your property and where to position them to get the best out of your home security.

Why Have CCTV Cameras For Your Home?

Investing in CCTV for your home is one of the best solutions to increase your home security. Having CCTV cameras installed at your property is a great way to deter criminal activity, especially burglary attempts as the site of a CCTV camera makes people think twice about the actions they are planning on carrying out. If you want that added reassurance and peace of mind that you have a security measure in place to help protect your family and assets, then a CCTV camera is the perfect option.

Current Laws On CCTV Cameras For Homes In The UK

Before going ahead and having your CCTV cameras installed at your property, it is always a good idea to first learn the UK laws on CCTV cameras for properties. One of the most important laws to be aware of when having a CCTV camera installed at your home property is that you adhere to the Data Protection Act and GDPR. Under these laws, CCTV cameras need to be operated in a way that respects your neighbours’ privacy and members of the public.

So it is advised to position your camera so that it doesn’t capture images of people outside of your property boundaries such as neighbours’ houses, gardens or public areas. If your CCTV camera does capture images in these areas then you will need to comply with the Data Protection and GDPR laws.

Optimal Locations To Have Your CCTV Camera Installed

The most optimal location where you can have your CCTV cameras installed will be at a high point so that the cameras can not be stolen or tampered with and also give more footage. Always ensure that the cameras are pointed at the correct angles as placing cameras at certain angles may not give you the most optimal viewing. Making your CCTV camera visible can also be a good way to help deter potential burglars.

These are considered the most optimal positions to place a CCTV camera at your home:

• Front, back and side doors
• Off-street windows
• Driveways
• Garages

Am I allowed To Point A CCTV Camera At My Neighbours House?

It’s not very ethical to point your CCTV camera at your neighbour’s home and record them without their consent. Not only does it invade their personal privacy but it could also breach GDPR and Data Protection Laws.

If you plan on having a CCTV camera positioned at a location on your property that will be capturing ongoing footage of your neighbour’s property, then you will need to have a plausible reason and will have to discuss this with your neighbours as they will be protected by GDPR and the Data Protection laws if they feel that your CCTV camera placement is invading their privacy.

Do I Require Permission From My Neighbours?

You do not need permission from your neighbours, nor do you have to legally let them know that you are having CCTV cameras installed. As long as your cameras are not intruding on your neighbour’s privacy then you really don’t have to worry.

Even though you fall under no obligation to get permission from your neighbours or to let them know, it is common courtesy to make your neighbours aware of the installation and perhaps even a sign to let people know that recordings are taking place as suggested by the ICO.

If you would like some advice from poor security specialists regarding CCTV installation and CCTV camera placement, then get in touch with us now. We are always available to advise and help our customers.