Installing a security camera is a popular and effective way to help protect your home. With many models being wireless, battery-powered, and simple to mount, it's tempting to place them anywhere. However, this flexibility comes with responsibility. There are several key locations where you should avoid installing these devices to respect privacy, comply with the law, and ensure your system functions as intended.
Places to Avoid for Legal and Privacy Reasons
Your right to security should not infringe on the rights of others. You should never install a camera with the primary purpose of viewing someone else's property. This means carefully angling outdoor devices so they do not peer into neighbours' gardens, windows, or doors. If a view of a neighbouring house or public space is unavoidable—common with video doorbells—use the camera's app to set up privacy zones. These digital black boxes can obscure sensitive parts of the recorded footage.
Indoors, the rules are equally clear. Security cameras must not be installed in bathrooms or toilets, or in any position that could provide a view into one. Bedrooms are also off-limits, with the common-sense exception of using a monitored device like a baby monitor in a young child's room. In the UK, data protection rules (GDPR) do not apply to parents monitoring their own children within their own home.
For those in shared housing, consent is crucial. You must have permission from all other tenants before installing a camera in a communal area like a hallway. The camera owner is responsible for how footage is stored and must ensure it is deleted when no longer needed.
Practical Mistakes That Undermine Security
Even with the best intentions, poor placement can render a camera useless. A common error is mounting an outdoor camera within easy reach. While they are often secured with simple screws, a thief with a tool could remove it. This is especially problematic for cameras that store footage locally on the device itself, as the evidence would be stolen. Install them high up and out of reach, perhaps near an upstairs window for easy maintenance.
Another technical pitfall involves infrared night vision. If a camera is mounted too close to an object like a window ledge, the infrared light can bounce back, causing over-exposure and ruining the footage. Ensure the lens has a clear, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor.
Using Features and Signage Correctly
Modern security cameras offer tools to enhance privacy and efficiency. Beyond privacy zones, you can configure motion detection zones so the camera only records activity in specific areas, like your driveway, ignoring the street. Utilising a recording schedule can save battery life and storage by only activating the camera at night or when you're away.
Transparency is also key. If your camera captures any area beyond your private property, such as a pavement or shared parking, it is good practice to display a warning sign or window sticker. Many security kits include these. They not only help fulfil privacy obligations but can also act as an additional deterrent to potential intruders.
By thoughtfully positioning your security cameras and using their smart features, you can create an effective security system that protects your home without compromising the privacy of those around you.
