Is CCTV the answer to my home security problem?

shown73

I did a similar thing recently with a camcorder, with an abusive neighbor. It meant that I had to manually operate it, which was a pain, but it worked a treat. The police were both horrified at their actions, and delighted that I had it on film. In the event, the people concerned were cautioned, and have been very careful since. I believe that the police informed them that they were on film, and that it could and would be used in court if need be. It's sad that we have to do this, when all you want to do is get on with your life, but at least it worked for me on this occasion. You can't just sit back and let them make your life a misery. It's no good retaliating in kind, you have to try and outwit them, which fortunately is not usually too difficult. Good luck.

Peartree

Myself and my neighbours have similar problems with delightful young people just randomly chucking things at windows. Unfortunately, one of the major attractions of my road is what makes it easy for them - lots of mature trees and hedges to hide behind. I've thought of CCTV but don't think it would be helpful for that reason - and anyway, these young people have their hoodies covering everything but their noses! I do know that the police have provided mobile CCTV to people at the end of the road who have a lot of problems - if you make enough fuss, maybe they will do this for you?

One thing I have noticed is that they seem to target 'lighted' windows - I guess because they can easily see them to aim at! I've had all sorts chucked at my outside light too. I was unlucky earlier in the year and they smashed a large pane in my front door. Because it was an old 'discontinued' type of glass all the panes needed replacing and I had to make my first ever insurance claim in 20 years. Infuriatingly, Norwich Union (name and shame) then put up my premium more than the cost of the claim. (Not with them any more, as you would imagine).

Knowing that others had the same problem has helped though. Recently some houseowners made a big fuss to the local paper and the local councillors and MP about policing on our road - which is a cul de sac but has walk through access to a nearby estate. Subsequently, we've had a lot more police interest and a really good Neighbourhood Watch scheme has been set up. You pay your Council Tax and are entitled to protection from this sort of thing. With the number of problems you are having it is completely unacceptable that they are not helping you. Unfortunately, you often have to really persevere to get that support - or get the newspapers involved like we did. Is it worth having a chat with others nearby - I'd have thought that the little beggars will be making a nuisance of themselves in a myriad of other ways in your neighbourhood!

Failing that - do you have any garden between you and them? If so, could you consider some really fast growing trees or hedging to deflect the missiles?!

Whatever, it is horrid and I sympathise with your wish to move - although ours is a road others would think is quite 'posh' and we still have the same problems. I'll put my hands up and say I'm a Guardian-reading, wishy washy liberal but there are times when I think longingly about a more Charles Bronson type approach!

Yours (hiding out in the back of the house with all the lights at the front off because the last thing I want is to have to give those same little g*ts a 'treat' tonight) Peartree

Cabinlassie

It is great to have the support of the MSE community. The local residents associaciation and the anti-social task force and the police are all working together to end this particular menace. The police and I are on first name terms! In the last 12 months I have spent £450 on replacement glass. I long since stopped making insurance claims as my premiums always rose higher than the amount of the claim. Looks like I might have to claim for the cladding on the back of the house as the whole lot will have to be replaced despite only 3 bits being smashed because of colour matching. Still waiting for the price for THAT!
Unfortunately hedging not an answer because I live on a corner and have to maintain a 'sight line' for the road. Thank you everyone for your support and ideas

ect76

Apologies for resurrecting a dead thread but found a little information on my local force's website that might be useful - I've had similar problems with broken windows to those above and am also looking at installing CCTV.
Anyway, here's a link.

http://www.fife.police.uk/default.aspx?page=1747

Ewan.

maninthestreet

The only reason for not filming someone out on the street seems to be this:

" Human Rights legislation concerning the individual's right to privacy means that passers by might complain about being 'spied' upon by your camera and appoint a solicitor to effect a Civil Action against you."

As far as I am aware, the Human Rights Act does not apply to the actions of individuals, only to actions of public bodies i.e an individual cannot sue another individual for a breach of his/her human rights under the Human rights act. Also note that Civil Action means it's not a criminal offence.

Cabinlassie

I have now had a visit from my local crime prevention officer (remember I live in Scotland). He told me that for CCTV evidence from a PRIVATE (not civic) CCTV camera to be admissable in court it can only film within the property boundaries. The police can still use the pictures to identify the vandals if the pictures extend outside the boundaries, but they must then look for other evidence to use in court. He also pointed out that CCTV can be seen by vandals as an invitation or challenge and agreed that any prospective buyer for the house, seeing a CCTV installation may be put off. In my particular case I have decided NOT to pursue the CCTV line further. There are too many reasons against using it for me. I should have moved out of the area (by about 100 miles) by this time next year. Wish me luck!

bristolleedsfan

Anybody thinking of installing CCTV might like to note that Digital Video Recorders with built in Time/Date stamp, switches between cameras etc. are now very affordable.

This is the DVR i bought can be viewed across the internet and has USB facility for backing up incidents onto PC.

http://www.isec-solutions.co.uk/

search AV761 ( i bought with 250GB hard drive included)

My front camera see right across the road ( like earlier poster said to cover car and personal safety when arriving home and departing) ive had them installed 10 years.

Pavements are public places so nobody can claim invasion of privacy as long as cameras arent facing into someones window.