I am sure we hasve discussed this topic in the past - but cannot find any links via the 'search' facility.

Question - what is the legal status of using a CCTV camera from your own premises?

MY understanding is that the camera must not view outside your own premises and that no "CCTV in operation" notice is required.

Right? Wrong? I hope it is right because that is what I have at home.

However, when I go into our local newsagent I see he has a CCTV system that not only shows the aisles / shelves that are out of direct view of the staff BUT also shows views along the pavement in either direction from his shop doorway (indeed, even to the pavement on the opposite side of the road). He does have a "CCTV warning" sign on the shop door.

I tried to ask the guy about his system but there was "a language problem" and anyway the guy behind the counter is only an employee not the owner.

I suspect that for business use there can be a CCTV view of the general envioronment even outside the immediate premises - but that maybe a licence/ permit is required and that signs must be displayed.

Snod

as far as i know as long as it does not look into another property your ok. i had mine looking at the drive and over looking the field and other houses and never got a complaint just depends if there moaning busybodys i suppose

a m8 of mine has one on his drive(only)after having his cars broken into...but was told he had to put a sign up too (hasn't had a problem since though)..touch wood!!

Home use is very different from business use, if the CCTV is used to protect a business you need all the signs, to only cover areas where it is required, to have restricted access to the recordings, to supply them on request etc etc, it's all covered under the Data Protection Act 1998.

HOWEVER, if it is for home/domestic use the part 4 of the act specifically says:

Basically if it's for use at home you are exempt from all the storage and restriction rules etc. You are allowed to film the area outside your home, especially if it is to protect your property, however you must make sure that you minimise "collateral intrusion", that you only point the camera at the areas concerned. It may be that you record "innocent" passers-by but you must takes steps to minimise this by tilting the camera or using a narrow angle lens.

The only real problem is if you use the camera to point directly onto (or into) someones property (without their permission, neighbours are sometimes quite happy for you to cover their driveway/car as well). This is covered by the Human Rights Act 1998. Article 8: "The Right to Respect for Private and Family Life, Home and Correspondence"

The Human Rights Act is over and above other laws so be aware of this one, and don't go pointing it in someones bedroom

Oh yes, a sign, businesses have to have them with details of who is recording etc, for home use (legally) you are meant to put them up unless the camera is "covert" and is being used as a "last resort" to obtain evidence, but if you have a decent image of someone doing something they shouldn't it's very hard for them to come back with the excuse "..well if they'd have had a sign up saying they had CCTV I wouldn't have torn off their car aerial"...."So you're admiting you broke the aerial off then"......"...err...bugger".

I want to install a home cctv system to monitor the front and back of my house, my son is currently having trouble with a gang of lads and I'd like to monitor what's happening when I'm in work, and of an evening when they are hanging round.

I'd like some advice on the best system to use, I was looking at this one

http://www.jmcsecurity.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=SYSTEM225

DR - very many thanks. I just knew you would come up with the sort of reply I wanted.

Cathie - nice looking system but I cannot comment on the value for money/ reliability.

How I wish wireless systems had been available when I installed my 5 camera system back in 2002. With 5 cameras the external wires do not look too good and there is some necessary maintenance of the conncetors.

I installed a wired system with VCR recording and with small (fag packet size) cameras that are painted "brick colour" so they are hardly visible at all. Opinions vary about which is best - covert system like mine or big/ obvious cameras that may act as a deterrant. One day I will maybe replace my system

I have to say that since 2002 the only "crime" seen by my system was some guy pinching my milk from the doorstep !!! The other system triggers have mainly been cats, foxes and the like. It was also useful "evidence" to challenge Jnr when he returned home from nights out at 4 or 5am - or was sending his girlfriend of the day home at some similar hour.

Snod

Once I have bought the system I need to find a very nice man who'll fit it for me for the price of a cup of tea and a bacon (or sausage) buttie ...anyone on wiki?????

Winters a nice chap and good with home and car security systems, pm him

cheers Ste