Do Home CCTV Security Cameras Deter Crime?

Are home security cameras a good idea? According to the Metropolitan Police, security cameras can help to deter crime - up to a point, and they can detect crime, but they cannot prevent crime. In this article, we will examine how home CCTV security cameras can help you, their limitations, and the top deterrent you can use with (or without) security cameras to help you. 

What CCTV Home Security Systems Can and Cannot Do

In their simplest form, home CCTV cameras record what is going on around your home. More advanced cameras are triggered when they detect motion. This means you don’t have to store as much footage. Some cameras have night vision capabilities and can send an alert to designated phone numbers if they detect activity. 

The top benefit is that you can monitor what is going on from your smartphone, even if you are away from home. If the activity looks suspicious, you can call the police. Of course, criminals know this, and the thought that you might spot them at work could put them off. 

The downside is that if your home is easy to enter or break into, it might not put them off all that much. It is possible to conceal one’s face, and if they are assured of a quick entry and getaway, they might still enter your home. After all, you may miss an alert and not be aware of them. 

How Does CCTV Work? Wired Versus Wireless Systems

Wired Systems

Wired systems connect the camera to a recording device with wiring. Their only role is to keep a record of what has occurred. As such, they’re comparatively cheap and also rather ineffective. 

If your home has been burgled, you don’t need CCTV to know that this has occurred. Reviewing the footage may not be helpful either. A hoodie pulled over the face is enough to conceal a burglar’s identity. 

When you are at home, you would have to be watching the screen to know there is an intruder in your yard. Of course, if you hear noises outside and want to see what is causing them, this type of CCTV camera can save you from putting yourself at risk in order to do so. 

Wireless Systems

Wireless CCTV systems are rather more advanced. They include the ones you can set up to alert you to movement, and you can stream video directly to your phone. These “smart camera” systems are the most useful form of security camera. Some of them even link to speakers you can use to talk to intruders as if you were at home - even when you are not. 

CCTV Cameras Can Be a Deterrent, But Don’t Develop a False Sense of Security

Ironically, theft of CCTV cameras is not a particularly rare crime. From time to time, you will see cases like this reported in the news. It certainly illustrates that you should not see CCTV home security systems as much of a crime deterrent. Despite this, some people continue to believe that they are - there are even companies offering dummy CCTV cameras for sale. 

It would be safe to assume that the presence of an advanced-looking system might just put off burglars looking for the easiest targets - but don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security. CCTV home security systems only allow you to see what is happening, and if you haven’t been careful about securing your home, they can’t stop people from breaking in. 

Legal Implications of CCTV Cameras

If you just go ahead and install a CCTV camera system willy-nilly, you may end up on the wrong side of the law. To achieve compliance, we strongly advise that you choose a licensed installer to do the job for you. 

Your home CCTV cameras should not capture any unnecessary footage on the street or impinge on your neighbours’ privacy. If cameras only cover your property, there is less need to worry about complaints and legal actions alleging invasion of privacy. All the same, it would be wise to talk to your neighbours before you install cameras so that you can address their concerns. 

All the footage you capture is subject to General Protection of Data (GDPR) regulations. This brings with it a range of responsibilities including:

• Secure storage of data that prevents unauthorised access
• Not storing data for longer than is necessary
• Complying with requests from people who may wish to see what CCTV footage you have of them and dealing with their concerns regarding their personal data
• Avoiding the publication or sharing of CCTV images. They should only be viewed on a “need to know” basis 

In addition, signage warning that your premises are monitored by CCTV is recommended. By doing so, you are warning legitimate visitors that they will be captured on film, ensuring you have their tacit consent to surveillance as soon as they enter your property. 

Public vs Private CCTV: Are CCTV Rules Different for Homeowners?

The short answer is “not really.” The longer one is that there are very stringent rules governing any form of public surveillance. For example, footage can only be viewed by an officially registered data controller. And, of course, public footage is subject to all the regulations related to data privacy - including responding to requests to view footage.

Notifying people about recordings is also subject to stricter regulations in public settings. For example, signage must include a statement on why footage is being recorded and who people can contact to register any concerns they may have. 

Do Home Security Cameras Deter Crime? Security Doors and Windows are More Effective

If you are monitoring your home with CCTV, its usefulness as a deterrent is comparatively minimal. Making it extremely difficult for trespassers to break into your home is far more effective. 

A secure front door is a great place to start, but consider all doorways leading into your house including back and side doors, balcony doors, and doors leading from garages. While you are at it, consider installing a secure garage door. The things you store there have value, and you do not want to offer criminals a concealed spot from which they can take their time about breaking into your home through a connecting doorway.  

Finally, don’t forget to secure windows - including windows on the upper floor of your house. Our security windows will withstand attempts to force them open, and the glass will withstand repeated blows. It can even be bulletproof if you prefer. 

Best of all, unlike security cameras that may be very visible features and can make guests feel uncomfortable, your secure doors and windows are attractive, discreet, yet effective. Your home doesn’t look like Fort Knox, but it is almost as secure. Discover the most beautiful way to deter crime and keep your home safe. Talk to the team at Stronghold Security Doors today.