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Using video surveillance systems to record a home is becoming more and more common, and it is not surprising, if we take into account that the number of burglaries in homes continues to rise. This makes it normal for all of us to feel the need to better protect ourselves and look for options to make our home more secure.
There are different alternatives to prevent strangers from entering the home, but thieves are always one step ahead and even enter homes that have the most sophisticated security systems.
Once the offender is inside we still have one last way to defend ourselves, making a recording that can later help the Police to identify him. Now, is this legal? Let's go see it!
In What cases can I record a thief in my house?
The limits of video surveillance are somewhat confusing. As we have seen on other occasions, it is not legal to record public roads, so we cannot have a camera in our house pointing towards the street.
What we can do is install a camera inside the house. Here we are recording a totally private space and in which, a priori, only trusted people will enter, so the limits for recordings become more lax. In fact, the precepts of the Data Protection Law do not apply inside the home.
If you have a camera installed at home, for whatever purpose, it is clear that if a thief enters, it will capture the image of it, even if its main function is not security. The problem comes when it comes to determining whether or not this recording is legal.
Do I need any permissions or special documents to record in my house?
Installing hidden surveillance cameras at home is completely legal as long as its use does not violate the rights of third parties.
Anyone who enters our home, legally or even illegally, and does not know that they are being recorded, may feel violated when they discover it. Hence, it is advisable to indicate in a visible place that there is a video surveillance system.
If you notice, many of the houses that have an alarm system that is complemented by video surveillance have a sticker on the door that warns of this. This is not only to scare away thieves, but also to comply with the information obligation and thus ensure that the recordings made by the camera are totally legal.
So, if you install a camera at home to improve security, it is highly recommended that you notify that you have a recording system. On the other hand, try to hide the camera well so that the thief cannot locate it and disable it.
Where to place the spy cameras to better catch the thief who robs a house?
It is always good that one of the cameras points directly towards the door or the access areas to the house. This will make it easier to see the thief's face.
They can also be installed in those areas where the highest value items are, since that is where the criminal will spend the most time.
Which ones are the best spy cameras to record in my house?
The best ones are those that go completely unnoticed and that are integrated into objects that the thief is not going to pay attention to.
A good example is the spy air freshener. You can put it both at the entrance of the house and in the room and It will not arouse any suspicion. You will be able to see the image in real time from any mobile phone. As soon as someone enters the door, the spy watch will alert you.
Another alternative is the smoke detector with PIR sensor and night vision. Like the previous spy camera, with this smoke detector you can also see the live image from any PC or Smartphone. The best quality of this camera is that it has unlimited autonomy so you can record 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Do I can they fine a thief for recording in my house?
You may have heard of penalties imposed on people who have recorded burglars in their homes, but this must be qualified.
In 2017 the case of a Norwegian citizen fined €8,000 for recording a thief with security cameras from his workshop. But in reality the fine was not imposed for the recording, but for the dissemination of the images.
Can I post on social networks proof of recording?
This is exactly what we just referred to in the case of the fine on the Norwegian citizen. You can install cameras in your home or business to improve security, but if you have captured the image of a thief you cannot make it publicly available.
Just because someone is a criminal and does not respect the rights and property of others does not mean that he does not have rights.
What consequences does it have to spread the recording as test?
Something that seems as simple as uploading to social networks the photo or video of the individual who has robbed your house can become a nightmare for you, since you are violating privacy and even against honor of a person. Infringing at the same time the data protection regulations.
All this can end with the imposition of a fine and even enables the person whose image you have spread to ask you for compensation for the damages you have caused
Who should I deliver the recording and how should I do it?
If the cameras in your home have captured the image of a robbery, the first and most recommended thing is that you make a backup copy of these images and then make them available to the Police.
Keep in mind that the copy you keep is so you can fall back on it in case the original recording is damaged or lost. As we have just seen, you should never share these images publicly, and much better if you refrain from sending the recording to people in your private circle, since any of them could make the images public.
The Police will use the images captured by your camera to try to identify the offender. If you cannot do it, the agents of the authority are empowered to publicly disseminate the image and seek citizen collaboration to find the thief.
So, we can conclude by pointing out that a spy camera can help you improve yoursecurity in your home and it is very useful in case a thief enters, but you should always be very careful when making use of the captured images.
12 Frequently asked questions about hidden cameras at home
1. Is it legal to record in my own home?
Yes, it is totally legal to record in your own home as long as you respect certain limits. In general, you have the right to protect your property and to record what happens inside it. However, it is critical to ensure that cameras do not capture public spaces or third-party private property, such as a neighbor's home. Also, do not film in places where complete privacy is expected, such as bathrooms or bedrooms (if you have visitors).
2. Do I need to inform visitors that I have cameras installed?
The answer may vary depending on local law, but in general, it's a good idea to inform visitors about cameras in your home, especially if they record audio. This is because, in many jurisdictions, recording conversations without the consent of all parties involved may be illegal. If the cameras are located in common spaces and do not record audio, the reporting requirement may be less stringent, but it is always good practice to be transparent to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Can the recordings from my house be used as evidence in a burglary case?
Yes, recordings from your home can be used as evidence in case of theft or any other crime committed on your property. However, in order for them to be admitted as evidence, it is important that the recordings have been obtained legally, respecting privacy rights and without alterations. In addition, it is advisable to ensure that the recording system has a correct date and time and that they are stored securely to guarantee their integrity.
4. Are there places in the house where recording is not allowed?
Yes, there are places inside the house where, for privacy reasons, it is not recommended to install cameras. For example, it is inappropriate and potentially illegal to record in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any other space where people have a reasonable expectation of complete privacy. Even if the house is yours, recording in these places, especially if you have visitors, could violate the privacy rights of those who are being recorded.
5. What happens if I record audio in addition to video?
Recording audio introduces another level of complexity when it comes to privacy. In many jurisdictions, recording conversations without the consent of all parties involved is illegal. If you decide to record audio in your home, it is essential to inform and obtain the consent of everyone who may be recorded. Failing to do so could expose you to legal penalties. Therefore, if you are not sure, it is advisable to seek legal advice before recording audio.
6. How should I store the recordings to be admitted as evidence?
In order for recordings to be admitted as evidence, it is essential to guarantee their integrity and authenticity. It is recommended that you store them on a secure medium, such as an external hard drive or an encrypted cloud system. In addition, it is essential that the recordings are clearly dated and timed, and that they have not been altered in any way. It is advisable to have a system that automatically backs up recordings and retains them for a specified period, after which they are deleted to protect privacy. In the event of an incident, save a secure copy as soon as possible and consider notifying authorities of its existence.
7. What kind of cameras are most recommended for home use?
For home use, cameras with high definition are recommended to capture detail, have night vision and possibly Wi-Fi capability for remote access . Dome or bullet cameras are popular due to their designdiscreet and functionality. You can also consider cameras with motion detection and those that offer cloud storage for easy access and backup of recordings.
8. What happens if the cameras invade the privacy of my neighbors?
If your cameras capture private areas of your neighbors' property, such as its interior or areas where they would expect privacy, you could be invading their privacy, which may have legal implications. It is essential to ensure that the cameras are oriented in such a way that they only record your property. If a neighbor feels that his privacy is being invaded, he may take legal action against you. It's a good idea to talk to your neighbors about your cameras and make sure they're not pointed at your property.
9. Do the cameras need to be visible or can they be hidden?
Although it is legal to record on your property, the use of hidden cameras can complicate matters from a legal standpoint, especially if you are recording audio or capturing areas where someone might expect privacy . Visible cameras have the added benefit of acting as a deterrent to potential intruders. However, if you decide to use hidden cameras, it is vital that you are fully informed about local laws to ensure that you are not violating any privacy rights.
10. How long should I keep the recordings?
The duration of recordings varies depending on storage capacity and purpose. If you are looking for evidence of a possible crime, it is advisable to save the recordings for at least 30 days, since this is a common period for irregularities to manifest themselves. However, for privacy reasons, it is not recommended to keep recordings without a specific purpose for long periods of time. Also make sure to check your local regulations, as there may be specific guidelines on data retention.
11. What legal considerations should I take into account when installing cameras at home?
When installing cameras in your home, it's critical to make sure they're only recording your property and not your neighbors' private areas or public spaces. Avoid recording audio without consent, as it may violate privacy laws. If you have domestic employees or frequently receive visitors, it is advisable to inform them about the cameras. Finally, check the local regulations on the retention and use of recordings, especially if you intend to use them as evidence in any legal process.
12. How can I ensure that the recordings are not hacked or accessed by third parties?
To protect your recordings from unauthorized access, use strong and unique passwords for your cameras and any cloud storage. Change default device passwords and keep firmware up to date. Use secure connections, like VPN, if you access your cameras remotely. Consider systems with data encryption and, if possible, avoid cloud storage by opting for secure local storage. It is also recommended to have an active firewall and antivirus software on any connected devices.