Joseph D

I think the point here is that the potential consequences of someone being wrongly sentenced to many years behind bars should be balanced against the inconvenience of being required to disclose one's private matters to an investigation officer.

There are quite a few brands of CCTV you can install yourself. I started with a similar dilemma so got a 'semi-pro' security camera to try... I turned out that the installation process was pretty straightforward and the most difficult part was actually the mounting. I then found a UK supplier who sells professional CCTV via web (I used Hikvision) and got a full system for the house and shed - 3 hours of work and I can check check my 6 cameras via my phone. A few words of advice - to make your life easier: if you've never come across CCTV before - then just find an IP (i.e. network) camera with an NVR (network video recorder), preferably of the same brand, and ensure that they are PoE (Power over ethernet) and UPnP (plug&play). Then all you need to do is to get everything plugged and enjoy! Better stay away from Amazon or ebay, as a lot of stuff that people sell there are Chinese models, you you may not be able to install UK firmware\

I think there is a difference depending on whether a photo is taken in a public place, where the default position is that you don't have a right of privacy, and a private place, where the questions is "a reasonable expectation of privacy" (just a source I got it from: https://www.arm-sec.co.uk/blog/say-cheeese). If someone (incl the police) takes a photo of you in a public street then there is pretty much nothing you can do about it. In terms of the GDPR, my understanding that there is a specific exemption for 'processing personal data', which would include taking photos etc., in the course of private / domestic life (or something along these lines). But I do think that if a police officer takes a photo of someone without a good reason, then it is potentially a GDPR issue.

Quite a few people here suggested Hikvision, I think the main problem with it (as well as a range of other brands) is that it is considered to be 'professional only', so you can only get it with an installation quote (so no DIY). You can get one on ebay (high risk of getting a fake) or amazon (worked for me, but you inevitably overpay). I have recently found a Sheffield-based retailer who sell all sorts of Hikvision cameras to non-professionals (and DIY enthusiasts like me). So if you need to get a good camera - then Hikvision is in my view the best choice. I does require some installation work but it actually delivers good quality videos (whereas a wide range of fancy wifi out-of-the box cameras I've tried - failed miserably).

I am not sure I fully understand the point... Is there a viable alternative to a leasehold? From a purely legal perspective, how would you propose to document a short-term residential occupation - as a licence? The term of most investment leaseholds is such that it barely matters where you 'own' the property or just have a 999 year lease over the property.

I've seen at least 2 as well!