Security cameras

Private security cameras controls

Homeowners who set up their own CCTV cameras to improve security could face new controls, after an official said there had been a surge in complaints about snooping neighbours. Andrew Rennison, the Coalition's surveillance camera commissioner, said that the Government may have to address the growing trend in home owners setting up CCTV systems on their properties. He said the cameras can cause "upset" and hinted that ministers may be forced to look at new laws to ensure their use is controlled. The Government this month introduced its "surveillance code of practice" for public CCTV systems, in particular those used by police forces and local authorities.As part of the new code of practice, the Government wants councils and police forces to review regularly all of their cameras to see whether they are still "necessary, proportionate and effective". If they do not meet that criteria, Mr Rennison said, they should be removed. Ministers are also encouraging councils to publish on their websites the location of every CCTV camera used in the area.