Latest news with #CarlosDhunay
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- North Wales Live
Homeowners with smart doorbells or CCTV could face £100k fine, expert warns
A security expert has issued a stark warning to homeowners with smart doorbells or CCTV, cautioning that they could be hit with fines up to £100,000. Carlos Dhunay, a security specialist at Telcamm, has highlighted the importance of ensuring home security systems are legally compliant and effective, particularly during the summer months. Carlos stressed the need for homeowners equipped with devices like smart doorbells and CCTV cameras to be fully aware of the legalities involved to sidestep hefty fines and potential legal battles. He cautioned: "Many homeowners unknowingly break the law with their security cameras and smart doorbells. While having a security system is a great idea, if it records footage outside your property line, like a public sidewalk or your neighbour's garden, you could face hefty fines (up to £100,000) or even criminal charges for violating data protection laws." The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) holds the authority to enforce actions against homeowners who fail to comply. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Homeowners should consider the following advice to ensure their home security setup remains within legal boundaries and operates effectively: Understanding data protection laws If your security equipment captures images beyond your property's confines, such as neighbouring homes, gardens, communal areas, or public spaces, you must adhere to the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failing to adhere to these legal requirements could result in enforcement measures and fines from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or legal action from those impacted, reports the Manchester Evening News. Steps towards compliance. Carlos, a home security specialist, stressed the significance of proper signage. He explained: "It's increasingly common for homeowners to install surveillance systems for safety benefits. However, it's essential to follow guidelines to avoid unlawfully filming individuals. Secretly filming, even on private property, is illegal. "To avoid this, put up clear and visible signs at key entry points informing people that recording devices are in operation. This transparency deters crime and fulfils legal requirements." He also underlined the importance of respecting privacy, stating: "For those considering CCTV or smart camera installations, it's vital to inform neighbours and ensure signs are prominently displayed to notify individuals of the recording. "Remember, security shouldn't come at the expense of your neighbours' privacy. Inform them and anyone potentially captured on camera, especially if the camera's view extends beyond your property. This proactive approach not only fosters community awareness but also helps in safeguarding privacy and avoiding misunderstandings or complaints." Discussing the importance of proper storage, he remarked: "When managing recordings, make sure they have accurate timestamps for easy review and have sufficient storage capacity to retain footage as needed. These measures not only support legal compliance but also enhance the effectiveness of security systems in protecting homes and occupants." He further stressed the value of professional assistance in setting up security systems, stating: "When installing CCTV or smart cameras, consider engaging a specialist security firm. They can ensure that your system is set up in compliance with legal requirements, including proper signage and data protection protocols. "Expert installation not only mitigates legal risks but also optimises the effectiveness of your security measures, providing peace of mind during this summer season."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Homeowners with smart doorbells or CCTV could face £100k fine, expert warns
Homeowners with smart doorbells or CCTV could face £100k fine, expert warns The public have been urged to make sure their home security systems are legally compliant this summer as an expert warned anyone with smart doorbells or CCTV cameras could be fined One week warning as Ring doorbell users urged to act now (Image:) A security expert has issued a stark warning to homeowners with smart doorbells or CCTV, cautioning that they could be hit with fines up to £100,000. Carlos Dhunay, a security specialist at Telcamm, has highlighted the importance of ensuring home security systems are legally compliant and effective, particularly during the summer months. Carlos stressed the need for homeowners equipped with devices like smart doorbells and CCTV cameras to be fully aware of the legalities involved to sidestep hefty fines and potential legal battles. He cautioned: "Many homeowners unknowingly break the law with their security cameras and smart doorbells. While having a security system is a great idea, if it records footage outside your property line, like a public sidewalk or your neighbour's garden, you could face hefty fines (up to £100,000) or even criminal charges for violating data protection laws." The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) holds the authority to enforce actions against homeowners who fail to comply. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Homeowners should consider the following advice to ensure their home security setup remains within legal boundaries and operates effectively: Understanding data protection laws Article continues below If your security equipment captures images beyond your property's confines, such as neighbouring homes, gardens, communal areas, or public spaces, you must adhere to the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failing to adhere to these legal requirements could result in enforcement measures and fines from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) or legal action from those impacted, reports the Manchester Evening News. Steps towards compliance. Carlos, a home security specialist, stressed the significance of proper signage. He explained: "It's increasingly common for homeowners to install surveillance systems for safety benefits. However, it's essential to follow guidelines to avoid unlawfully filming individuals. Secretly filming, even on private property, is illegal. "To avoid this, put up clear and visible signs at key entry points informing people that recording devices are in operation. This transparency deters crime and fulfils legal requirements." He also underlined the importance of respecting privacy, stating: "For those considering CCTV or smart camera installations, it's vital to inform neighbours and ensure signs are prominently displayed to notify individuals of the recording. "Remember, security shouldn't come at the expense of your neighbours' privacy. Inform them and anyone potentially captured on camera, especially if the camera's view extends beyond your property. This proactive approach not only fosters community awareness but also helps in safeguarding privacy and avoiding misunderstandings or complaints." Discussing the importance of proper storage, he remarked: "When managing recordings, make sure they have accurate timestamps for easy review and have sufficient storage capacity to retain footage as needed. These measures not only support legal compliance but also enhance the effectiveness of security systems in protecting homes and occupants." Article continues below He further stressed the value of professional assistance in setting up security systems, stating: "When installing CCTV or smart cameras, consider engaging a specialist security firm. They can ensure that your system is set up in compliance with legal requirements, including proper signage and data protection protocols. "Expert installation not only mitigates legal risks but also optimises the effectiveness of your security measures, providing peace of mind during this summer season."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Experts issue warning over travel habit most of us do without thinking
British tourists have been warned to avoid making a key mistake when they go on holiday. A home security expert has told Britons that putting your address on your luggage is telling burglars to 'help yourself' to their house. Carlos Dhunay, home security expert at Telcam Security Solutions, says: 'Putting a residential address on your luggage is basically saying: this house is empty, help yourself.' Many travellers put their full home address on their luggage to ensure it's returned to them if it gets lost. However, thieves might be alerted to an unoccupied property if they see the address. Instead of writing a full address, Carlos recommends just listing a mobile number, email address or even a work address on a luggage tag. He explains: 'That way, airline staff can get in touch if needed, but you're not advertising that your house is unoccupied.' And there are also a few other easy mistakes that put British tourists at greater risk of burglary. Carlos reveals: 'Leaving a light on 24/7 can actually tip people off that you're away. Instead, use smart lights or timers to mimic normal activity patterns. 'Motion-activated lights and other outdoor security lighting are also a good way to deter potential burglars.' The expert also recommends cancelling any regular deliveries while you're away and asking a neighbour to keep an eye out for parcels. And while it might be tempting to share constant holiday updates, it might be best to wait until you're home. Carlos says: 'Avoid talking about holiday dates or duration in a public place or around strangers. And, if you plan to use an "out of office" at work, don't specify that you're leaving your home unoccupied. 'Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post. 'There are more than 16.3 million uploads from airports, revealing potentially dangerous information about holiday location and duration, and these may be seen by potential burglars.' Go Compare recently found that 36 per cent of holidaymakers post their holiday pictures while they're away, potentially advertising their absence to burglars. The insurance company warns that thieves can use the information 'to their advantage', especially if people don't have 'fully private' social profiles. 'If the worst does happen, sharing holiday photos could also create issues with your home insurance,' says a spokesperson from Go Compare. 'Although insurers don't explicitly say that posting on social media will invalidate your insurance, as a policyholder, you're obligated to keep your belongings secure, and posting publicly that your property is empty could be deemed as not taking the proper precautions to protect your home.' The insurance company says holidaymakers should 'play it safe' and wait until they're home to post on socials.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
One item you should never put on your suitcase or risk losing your belongings
As many of us prepare for summer holidays, security specialists are warning travellers of a simple habit that could leave them at risk As British holidaymakers gear up for their summer breaks, security experts are sounding the alarm over a common travel practice that could potentially lead to substantial losses at home. Last year saw three-quarters of UK adults jetting off abroad, a trend expected to continue through this summer season. Concurrently, there's been a spike in luggage loss incidents, with airlines misplacing 33.4 million bags in 2024. To combat this issue, many passengers opt to put their full home address on their luggage tags, aiming to facilitate the return of lost items. Yet, security professionals caution that this good intention might inadvertently invite burglars by signalling that your house is vacant. "Putting a residential address on your luggage is basically saying 'this house is empty, help yourself'," cautions Carlos Dhunay, a home security specialist and director at Telcam Security Solutions, reports the Liverpool Echo. Large parts of the UK experienced 226,489 reported burglaries in the year ending March 2024, with empty properties being particularly vulnerable to theft. The pertinence of this advice is underscored by the fact that TikTok searches for "how to put on luggage tag" have surged to 86,000 within a single week. Carlos recommends omitting the home address from luggage tags entirely. "Instead, use a mobile number, an email address, or even your workplace," he suggests. "That way, airline staff can still get in touch if needed, but you're not advertising that your house is unoccupied." He also suggests a proactive approach, such as taking photos of your luggage and noting its make, size, and any unique features. This can expedite the recovery process if your bag goes missing. How to safeguard your home whilst you're on holiday: Besides avoiding the luggage tag pitfall, Carlos advises taking additional measures to protect your property while you're away. He says: "Leaving a light on 24/7 can actually signal that you're not home. Instead, use smart lights or timers to simulate normal activity patterns. Motion-activated lights and other outdoor security lighting are also effective at deterring potential burglars. "Before jetting off, ensure to pause milk, newspaper and other deliveries as a pile-up is one of the most obvious signs of an empty house. Speaking of deliveries, ask a neighbour to keep an eye out for any post. The Royal Mail also provides a 'keepsafe' service, which holds mail until you return home. "Tools and ladders should be securely locked away, as burglars could utilise them to break into your house. Avoid discussing holiday dates or duration in public or around strangers. And, if you plan to use an "out of office" at work, don't mention that your house will be vacant." He adds: "Ask a trusted mate or family member to check in while you're away. Opening and closing curtains, switching on lights and watering the garden can create the illusion that your home is occupied. "Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post. There are more than 16.3 million uploads from airports, revealing potentially dangerous information about holiday location and duration, and these may be seen by potential burglars."
