Number of CCTV cameras in the UK reaches 5.2 million

New analysis suggests that the number of CCTV cameras in the UK may be as many as 5.2 million, with one camera for every 13 people as the popularity of public surveillance, home CCTV and doorbell camera use increases.

Figures show that the total number of cameras in the UK are now operated by private businesses and homeowners.

Previously the number of cameras in the UK was estimated at 4.8 million, however it is now believed that this number has jumped to 5.2 million as the cost of technology comes down and the popularity of sub £200 surveillance camera systems and doorbell cameras increases. Anxiety over lockdown and the increase in mail order purchases has driven the use of DIY CCTV systems at home for monitoring and security purposes.

There is no exact number available as to how many CCTV cameras there are, as a camera does not need to be officially registered – anyone can install CCTV to protect their property.

Generally, there are four types of CCTV camera systems in UK:

• Local authority/council/police CCTV camera monitoring systems
• Corporate and business CCTV Systems
• Home CCTV Systems
• Non-installed doorbell and wireless cameras
   

The cities with the most CCTV Cameras in the UK are: London (689,000), Birmingham (83,000), Leeds (58,000), and Glasgow (46,000).

James Ritchey from CCTV.co.uk, commented: “These numbers may send shivers down the spine of those worried about state monitoring, however it appears that the government controls less than four per cent of the total CCTV cameras in the UK – most are just homeowners protecting their property.”