@Athena. LOL
@DJV. I think part of the problem I have is that we already have extensive CCTV coverage in the UK. A lot of the crime prevention budget has been spent on it and the evidence that it does what is claimed for it is sketchy at best.See:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hors292.pdf
Many CCTV systems are run by private companies who are not very accountable.There is a code of guidance, but little direct regulation.
There is ongoing research as to whether cctv is cost effective in reducing crime (see above and for example
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3339133.stm)
and
http://www.nacro.org.uk/data/briefin...62800-csps.pdf
The jury is at best out. Yet they propose to spend an enormous amount of money implementing this new system which is being sold on the same promises as street cameras
As to privacy and the cameras falling into the wrong hands, what are the right hands? For example this case
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/st...884193,00.html
arose from council run cameras. I accept it is unusual but privacy matters a great deal, IMO
You are correct when you say they are not in houses. But many of the cameras are on the streets and can be turned and targetted. You can point them through windows if you like. OK you may think this is paranoid, but are you sure that a bored employee of a private security company would not do this? I'm not.