Countries and Cities by Number of CCTV Cameras

Table of Contents

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, also known as video surveillance systems, serve many purposes ranging from crime deterrence to traffic monitoring.

They are used in a variety of domestic, commercial, and industrial settings, and are getting better and more affordable as technology advances and demand increases.

With an estimated one billion CCTV cameras on the world’s streets by end of 2021, it will have become one of the most used technologies with features such as live video streaming, remote monitoring, and facial recognition more common than ever.

There are certain countries and cities in the world where CCTV cameras are found on almost every major street and corner, whereas some places barely have a few systems in place.

According to the latest research, China, the United States, and Germany are the top three countries with the most CCTV cameras.

China is considered the undisputed leader in CCTV surveillance with four times more CCTV cameras than the USA.

China has around 200 million CCTV cameras, followed by the USA’s 50 million and Germany’s 5.2 million. The United Kingdom closes in at the fourth position with 6 million CCTV cameras.

The list goes on with Japan with 5 million, Vietnam with 2.6 million, France with 1.65 million, South Korea with 1.03 million, and the Netherlands with 1 million CCTV cameras.

However, if you count the number of cameras per capita, the USA leads the race with the highest number of CCTV cameras per person.

When it comes to cities with the most CCTV cameras, the majority of them are in China, with London being the only city on the list outside of Asia.

Here are the top 10 countries and cities by the number of CCTV cameras:

TOP 10 COUNTRIES AND CITIES BY NUMBER OF CCTV CAMERAS

Let’s first look at the top 10 cities with the most CCTV cameras per 1000 inhabitants:

Taiyuan, China – 119.6
Wuxi – China – 92.1
London, United Kingdom – 67.5
Changsha, China – 56.8
Beijing, China – 56.2
Hangzhou, China – 52.3
Kunming, China – 45.0
Qingdao, China – 44.5
Xiamen, China – 40.3
Harbin, China – 39.1

Now, let’s look at the top 10 cities by CCTV density per square km:

Chennai, India – 657
Hyderabad, India – 480
Harbin, China – 411
London, United Kingdom – 399
Xiamen, China – 385
Chengdu, China – 350
Taiyuan, China – 319
Delhi, India – 289
Kunming, China – 281
Beijing, China – 278

MOST POPULAR TYPES OF CCTV CAMERAS

There are various types of CCTV cameras used all around the world depending on various factors such as the level and type of security you require, the size of the system, the camera’s resolution, its field of view and placement, and of course, your budget.

The most popular types of CCTV cameras used all over the world include:

Bullet CCTV cameras

Bullet CCTV cameras are one of the most common types of CCTV cameras in the world and are ideal for outdoor use.

Their recognisable look makes them a highly visible deterrent against burglaries and intrusions and they are used in applications that require long-distance viewing.

Dome CCTV cameras

Dome CCTV cameras are another very popular choice that gets its name from the vandal-resistant dome-shaped casing that the camera sits in.

They have a discreet shape making it difficult to see which way they are facing and allow wider angles to be monitored via 360-degree rotation of the camera.

C-Mount CCTV cameras

C-Mount CCTV cameras are bulkier in size and come in a rugged casing that protects them from harsh weather conditions.

They have detachable lenses that can be switched to adapt to the distance and field of view without losing focus.

PTZ Pan/Tilt/Zoom CCTV cameras

PTZ cameras allow more control over what is being monitored and are the ideal choice for remote monitoring.

They can pan sideways, tilt up and down, zoom in and out of objects, and can adjust the right angle of the camera to record the area of interest.

Day/Night CCTV cameras

Day/Night CCTV cameras are built to effectively work during both the day and night-time, regardless of the lighting conditions, and are ideal for places that require round-the-clock outdoor CCTV monitoring.

In addition to poor lighting, they can also withstand direct sunlight, glare, and reflections, and offer both colour and grayscale recordings.

Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras

Infrared/Night vision CCTV cameras use infrared technology to record images and videos in absolute darkness and are usually more expensive than day/night cameras since they can work in pitch-black darkness.

They can also withstand fog, dust, and smoke, and record coloured footage during the daytime while capturing black and white footage during the night.

Network/IP CCTV cameras

Network/IP CCTV cameras are connected over a network that allows the live footage to be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet.

They are the best choice for remote monitoring and allow storing archived footage on network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs).

Wireless CCTV cameras

Wireless CCTV cameras are made for the sole purpose of minimising the installation time and use of excess wires for a cleaner appearance.

Due to their discreet appearance, they easily blend in with the surroundings working as a hidden deterrent and are ideal for situations where good presentation is key and the display of excess wires might ruin the aesthetics.

High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras

HD CCTV cameras come in a variety of resolutions ranging from 720p going all the way up to 4K, delivering high-quality images with zooming capabilities.

They are particularly useful in high-risk areas where the foot traffic needs to be monitored closely and the perpetrators need to be easily identified and caught using the recorded footage.

HOW ARE CCTV CAMERAS USEFUL?

There has always been a bit of controversy surrounding CCTV cameras with some advocating for their widespread use in society owing to their contribution towards making cities safer and more secure, while others being against the systems due to their misuse and infringement on their privacy, especially if installed in public places.

Irrespective of which side you belong to, the fact remains that the number of CCTV cameras and video surveillance systems is growing each day.

Here are all the ways CCTV cameras can benefit the public and society as a whole:

Increased safety

Enhanced safety is one of the most obvious benefits of installing CCTV cameras in public places. A visible security camera works as an effective deterrent against crimes such as theft, violence, and robberies.

Thanks to the system’s advanced features such as high-definition footage and facial recognition, the cameras can identify a suspicious item or person and the authorities can be informed right away.

Aiding law enforcement agencies

CCTV cameras don’t just prevent crimes from happening, but due to their recording options, they also provide valuable evidence.

Suspects can easily be identified with the help of CCTV recordings and there’s a higher chance of the police catching them quickly and easily. In addition to that, the recordings can also be used as legitimate proof against an offender in the court of law.

Traffic control

Security cameras installed on traffic lights is a great way to prevent drivers from speeding up or going through a red light.

CCTV cameras can also be used by the traffic police and relevant authorities to monitor the conditions of the road and flow of traffic, while also increasing pedestrian safety.

Sensitive area monitoring

CCTV cameras provide a great solution for places that are dangerous for people to regularly visit and monitor.

These hazardous areas include those with flammable gases and vapours, and areas that are prone to catching fires. The remote viewing feature in CCTV camera systems allows the users to keep an eye on the location from afar without having to put themselves at risk.

CCTV LAWS IN THE UK

CCTV cameras are one of the best security measures that guarantee results and, while their use is permitted all over the world, the systems must be operated responsibly to safeguard the privacy and wellbeing of those being recorded.

The UK government has laid down certain laws regarding the use of CCTV systems, the adherence to which is necessary.

The four main acts that make up the CCTV legal framework in the country are:

The Data Protection Act (DPA),
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI),
The Protection of Freedoms Act (POFA), and
The Human Rights Act (HRA).

The legal responsibility to follow the laws lies on the shoulders of the data controller who can be an individual or organisation deciding why, what, and how the data is processed.

To make adherence to the data protection laws easier, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a code of practice for data controllers to follow. They include:

Having a legitimate reason for using CCTV cameras.
Registering with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a CCTV operator, which includes paying a data protection fee (unless you’re exempted).
Effective administration of the surveillance system by establishing clear responsibilities and procedures, along with documenting all aspects of data control.
Ensuring that the data is stored securely and can only be accessed by authorised personnel.
Informing everyone in the area that they are being recorded, which can best be achieved by putting up clear signage or communicating with the people involved.
Not installing CCTV cameras in private areas such as toilets.
Disabling audio recording on all CCTV systems since recording conversations is a huge invasion of privacy and is largely discouraged.
Ensuring that the recorded data is provided within one month to individuals who have been recorded on the system, if they request to access it.
Storing the data only for as long as it is needed, the duration for which varies from business to business.
Sharing recorded images and video footage with the authorities, such as the police, if they ask for them.
Regularly maintaining and reviewing the system to ensure it’s working as it should and is compliant with all the CCTV laws.

The aforementioned CCTV laws are taken very seriously, with a violation leading to criminal charges and the concerned individuals facing huge fines of up to £500,000.

In addition to jail time and fines, the government might end up losing people’s trust since using recording equipment without their knowledge is a serious invasion of privacy.

The inability to put up signage for the general public to know that they are being monitored can also tarnish the reputation of a business or property owner.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

When it comes to your security, you need to install systems that you trust and can rely on. At Calder Security, we deal with only state-of-the-art CCTV systems from the most popular brands and offer a comprehensive range of services for all kinds of properties that range from professional installation to monitoring, maintenance, and repairs.

CCTV installation

CCTV installation is a specialist trade and one that is best reserved for security industry professionals. While many general electricians may offer this as a service, they simply do not have the specific knowledge and experience to offer the same level of expertise.

In addition to the physical installation of the equipment, there are many factors to consider such as optimum positioning of the cameras, setting up the DVR, integration with other security systems such as burglar alarms, and the settings of the system itself.

We know the market better and can make informed recommendations on the specifications of the system such as the best brand, whether it should be IP or analogue HD, the number of cameras you need, where to put them to minimise interference from weather conditions, and full training on how to get the most from the system.

CCTV maintenance

Three factors will generally determine the effectiveness of any electronic system: the quality of the equipment; the skill of the installation; and the way that the system is maintained and looked after.

During a maintenance visit, our specialist engineers will conduct a visual assessment of all equipment, check all connections and cabling, clean the cameras, lenses and housing, check the positioning of the cameras, assess playback and recording quality, and even re-familiarise users on proper operation of the system.

We also offer CCTV maintenance contracts that include a regularly maintained system by professionals, 24-hour coverage, reduced call-out and labour charges, and a reduction in insurance premiums.

CCTV monitoring

CCTV monitoring means that security breaches can be detected as they are in progress and the appropriate action can be taken even when the property is empty.

Fast action can make all the difference, not only in the case of a crime but also for fires, floods, or any type of structural incident.

Professional monitoring services can add an extra layer of protection knowing that your property is being watched by security professionals round the clock.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

CCTV repair

CCTV systems can malfunction for several reasons: weather conditions, compromising cameras, loose connections, cabling issues, power surges, or general wear and tear.

Whatever the issue, you need to resolve them quickly by an engineer who knows what they’re doing.

All our engineers are security industry specialists and carry a comprehensive range of parts, equipment, and service kits on their vans to ensure that fixes are dealt with efficiently because burglars don’t wait until the repairs are done.

Photo by Eva Dang on Unsplash

Top 10 Countries and Cities by Number of CCTV Cameras