The number of video surveillance cameras in London will hit an all-time high this year, according to CCTV.co.uk research. 

The number is the equivalent of one camera for every 14 people in London, and takes into account security cameras fitted to both commercial properties and private households. 

What is driving this rapid growth in surveillance? 

Jonathan Ratcliffe of CCTV.co.uk equates it to a combination of increased fear among householders, the standardization of commercial security in new buildings and the smaller affordable security cameras such as home security camera systems and doorstep cameras.

Ratcliffe says,"The number of cameras being installed in the capital is growing at a much faster rate than ever before due to private households installing smaller cheaper systems. People are genuinely scared and sharing security camera footage on social media when the police don't act fast enough is standard practice these days. Doorbell cameras and cheap DIY systems have seen the number of cameras increase, and new commercial buildings have CCTV installed as standard."

And this growth isn’t set to stop anytime soon. By 2025, CCTV.co.uk anticipates that there will be one million cameras in London alone, reflecting a growing trend that’s also mirrored around the country.

“We estimate one camera for every 14 Londoners, but this could rise to one in 11 as technology improves and population increases, meaning a staggering 1 million cameras by 2025," says Ratcliffe.