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Should you get a security camera for your home?

Kara Gammell
Written by  Kara Gammell
Alicia Hempsted
Reviewed by  Alicia Hempsted
5 min read
Updated: 25 Oct 2024

Security cameras for the home have become increasingly popular over the years, with many using them to check on their pets and home deliveries while they're away. But are they worth it?

It’s incredibly frustrating to miss an important delivery or to constantly worry about the security of your home while you’re away – especially when you’re meant to be relaxing on holiday or concentrating at work.

So, it’s no surprise that security cameras have become a staple in many British homes.

According to research by windows furnishing company Thomas Sanderson, nearly 40% of British homeowners have some form of security camera installed on their property, with 44%of these homeowners specifying that they have an outdoor camera, and 31% own a smart doorbell.

Installing security cameras in and around your home offers several benefits beyond just preventing theft.

Visible security cameras can deter not only burglars but also vandals, allow you to monitor deliveries and be protected from potential water damage.

Security cameras allow you to keep an eye on family members, especially teenagers and elderly relatives, watch for deliveries, monitor areas prone to water leaks so you catch any signs of damage early.

Alicia Hempsted, home insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Home security cameras can provide valuable evidence of incidents such as burglaries, vandalism, or accidents, which can substantiate your case and expedite the insurance claims process.”

Much like a smart video doorbell, a WIFI security camera records anything within its field of view, so you can check in on it and watch a live stream (via an app) while you’re out.

The cameras save videos (either in the cloud or on the device itself) and because they’re wireless, you won’t require cables running all over your property or a central unit, as you would with a conventional CCTV system.

Some connect to your internet connection while others need a base station that plugs into your router and remains in your home.

But if you’re installing security cameras in your home, it’s important that you pay attention to privacy law, online security, proper installation and adequate broadband speeds to ensure you are getting the best service possible.

Here is what you need to get started.

Privacy law – and how not to break it

Respecting privacy is a critical aspect of installing security cameras so always ensure that you position your cameras to capture only your property.

If this isn’t possible and your cameras capture images beyond your property boundary, such as public areas or your neighbours’ properties, you must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This includes informing people that they are being recorded and ensuring the footage is used appropriately.

For more detailed guidance, refer to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s guidelines.

While security cameras enhance safety and provide peace of mind, it’s crucial to consider privacy implications. Homeowners should ensure that cameras are positioned to avoid intruding on neighbours’ privacy and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding surveillance.

home security camera

Consider your online security

While these cameras provide peace of mind, it’s worth remembering that to do that they provide a view into your home and connect to the internet.

If you can watch your home from your phone, it may be possible for others to view the content too – whether hackers, mobile phone thieves or even the manufacturer.

So keep these devices out of very private areas, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, and be careful to

Activate two-factor authentication, an additional layer of security that sends you a one-time-use passcode via a text message, a phone call, email, or an authentication app.

You input the passcode in addition to your username and password when you log in.

That way, if a hacker cracks your password, they won’t be able to access your camera unless they also gain access to your one-time code.

Check your broadband speeds

Most security cams are 1080p, but some companies sell cams with 2K or 4K quality resolution.

While better resolution may seem like a no brainer, as the greater number of pixels means higher quality footage, you need to be certain that your network can handle it.

You may pay for fast download speeds, but most customers don't pay attention to upload speed, which you need to send video content to the cloud. Just one 4K camera, or 2K camera could be tough with cheap coverage.

So, before buying your cameras, test your broadband speed with our handy online tool.

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, it could be a problem on either your end or your provider’s end.

Luckily, if the problem is at home, it can usually be sorted with a few quick fixes.

Location, location, location

To maximise the effectiveness of your security cameras, strategic placement is key.

Focus on vulnerable areas such as entry points, windows, and driveways as well as areas with a high-risk of water damage.

Position the cameras at a height that makes them difficult to tamper with and angle them downward as cameras' infrared sensors are more likely to pick up relevant movement and avoid false positives if you point down on a particular area.

If you buy an outdoor camera with a wide-angle lens don’t put it in a corner to guard the whole back garden and side return thinking you’ll be getting more bang for your buck as this will limit its ability for detecting motion and capturing decent footage.