Having external CCTV security cameras installed around your home is a highly effective way of deterring burglars and preventing anti-social behaviour.
The quality of today’s equipment means that they’ll reveal crystal clear imagery of anyone attempting to break-in or with suspicious intent.
When Security Cameras Work Too Well
Even so, security cameras can sometimes be too effective, which might sound a strange thing to say. If they’ve recorded dodgy activity, then that’s what they’re supposed to do, right?
Well, yes, but cameras are only allowed to go so far when collecting imagery on your behalf.
The reason? It’s all down to GDPR and data protection.
What GDPR and Data Protection Laws Say About CCTV
The problem is that if your cameras are set up in such a way that they are recording events beyond the boundaries of your property, you could be in breach of the regulations.
You might say, but who would know and who would care? After all, the likelihood is that your neighbours would probably be reassured, rather than being up in arms, if your security cameras were recording beyond your fence post, or over a garden wall.
As the law stands, however, if you have breached another individual’s data by recording beyond your property limits, if they were mindful, they would be within their rights to request access to any footage you’ve recorded. They could even lawfully request that you take the offending camera or cameras down.
And it gets worse.
The Potential Consequences of Misusing Security Cameras
If you WERE found guilty of improperly using the recording and the case went all the way to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), you could face a fine of up to £1000.
It may sound ridiculous, but since the laws are set up in the way they are, it’s important to be clear on what your responsibilities are regarding the correct (or incorrect) positioning of your cameras.
How to Ensure Your Home Security Cameras Stay Legal
First and foremost, your number one priority is to ensure your security cameras cover all the necessary entry points around your home. If they are positioned correctly and discreetly, they’ll certainly be able to provide you with optimal coverage – without inadvertently bringing anything or anyone else into the frame.
As experienced security professionals, Justice Fire & Security have extensive knowledge of how and where to position security cameras, including CCTV, so that the equipment achieves the goal of providing round-the-clock coverage, without you running the risk of breaching any potential data infringements.
The bottom line is that the cameras you install need to be effective but operate within the legal boundaries - offering peace of mind, without becoming a pain in the backside.
CCTV Systems for Your Home
If you are considering having security cameras or CCTV installed at your property or are concerned that your existing equipment may need overhauling, repositioning or extending, you can rely on Justice Fire & Security to set you on the correct path.
Our innovative, state-of-the-art but highly affordable security cameras have assisted homeowner across the Greater Midlands region with cost-effective, peace-of-mind home security.
Our knowledgeable and friendly engineers will survey the location, advise on the most appropriate course of action and ensure that your cameras are best positioned to keep you safe – and well within all the necessary legal guidelines.
Do You Need Your CCTV Cameras Installed in Birmingham or The Surrounding Areas?
Based in Birmingham, our teams operate extensively throughout the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
To book a free site survey, click here or call us on 0345 468 0927 – and leave the rest to us!
