How many CCTV cameras are there in London and the UK?

In London it has been estimated that in excess of 500,000 CCTV cameras are in use – putting it in the top 10 countries around the world for deploying the security measure.

With a population of around 9,300, 000 that makes the chances of getting caught on camera in the capital pretty high. In fact, that means there is one camera for every 18 people.

The exact number of CCTV cameras on the streets of London and across the UK is difficult to pinpoint as official records are not kept for the installation of every security system.
Homes, businesses, police and councils all install CCTV cameras – and while police and council CCTV camera installation is closely documented this is not usually the case for private homes and businesses.

CCTV Camera Statistics in London

A study by academics Michael McCahill and Clive Norris of UrbanEye determined that there were around 500,000 cameras in London in 2002. This report stated that around 4 million CCTV cameras were in use in the UK as a whole Further reports by Cheshire Constabulary suggest that the number of CCTV cameras in use in the UK is closer to 1.85 million With a population of 67, 773,096that still means there is one CCTV camera to every 36 people.

CCTV on London transport

The proliferation of CCTV cameras is solely down to their role in monitoring crime and behaviour. CCTV cameras are a major deterrent for all crimes and forms of anti-social behaviour.
Targeting the cause rather than finding a cure is always preferable, which is why so many homes and businesses choose to invest in CCTV cameras.

In a busy city, such as London, where huge numbers of people live in close proximity – and which sees as many as 30 million tourists visit every year – security is important. There are 77,000 CCTV cameras in place across London’s transport network, working to help ensure the safety of passengers. However, security concerns about certain tube lines have seen calls for this to increase further to deter offenders.

For people travelling alone, especially at night, the presence of CCTV cameras can be highly reassuring. Whether these cameras are actively monitored via a live feed or are recording evidence they act as a serious deterrent to criminals, allowing the law-abiding public to go about their lives without the fear of becoming a victim of crime. It is now commonplace for CCTV images to be released during appeals for information following a crime, whether this is in a shop, on a train or bus, or on a road.

CCTV for homes and businesses in London

As a result of the sheer numbers of people who pass through the streets of London, CCTV cameras are clearly seen as an essential security investment to help protect workers, individuals, homes and businesses from crime. In a city that sees so many tourists; shopkeepers, landlords and café owners will see a heavy turnover of customers that means keeping track of what is going on at your business can be tough. A CCTV camera will act as an extra pair of eyes.

This need for an extra layer of security in heavily populated areas and on busy commuter routes extends to housing. CCTV cameras let homeowners know who has visited their home and if there is any cause for concern.

Make sure your home or business has all the security it needs – contact Rhino CCTV about installing CCTV security.

view all news