London is one of the most surveilled cities in the world, with thousands of CCTV cameras monitoring streets, stations, shops, and public spaces. From deterring crime to assisting in investigations, these cameras play a vital role in maintaining safety across the capital. But how many CCTV cameras are there in London? 

This blog takes a closer look at the numbers, where they are located, who operates them, and how surveillance has evolved. If you’re a concerned citizen, a business owne,r or simply curious about urban security, understanding the scale and scope of London’s CCTV coverage offers valuable insight into modern-day safety infrastructure.

How many CCTV Cameras Are There In London?

London is home to an estimated 942,562 CCTV cameras, placing it among the most heavily surveilled cities in the world. This total includes both publicly operated and privately owned cameras across a wide range of locations such as transport hubs, streets, shops, and commercial buildings. The sheer scale of surveillance means that a person moving through the city could be recorded on camera up to 70 times a day, according to Clarion Security Systems. The extensive use of CCTV in London reflects the city’s commitment to safety, crime prevention and efficient monitoring. With technology constantly evolving, CCTV remains a vital component in both public and private security infrastructure throughout the capital.

How CCTV Coverage Varies Across London

London is one of the most extensively surveilled cities in the world, with nearly one million CCTV cameras in operation. However, not every area of the capital is monitored equally. Some boroughs invest significantly in public surveillance, while others rely on a more modest setup. The table above reveals the top 10 London boroughs with the highest number of public CCTV cameras per 10,000 people in 2023. Let’s examine what this data shows and what it tells us about each borough’s approach to safety, security, and community monitoring.

Hillingdon – London’s Surveillance Leader

Hillingdon tops the list, with 1,170 cameras monitoring a population of 304,792, resulting in an average of 38.39 cameras per 10,000 people. This far exceeds the figures for other boroughs. As home to Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, Hillingdon’s extensive use of CCTV is unsurprising. It reflects a need for robust monitoring of transit routes, terminals, and nearby infrastructure. The borough’s commitment to public safety and traffic control, as demonstrated by CCTV, is evident in these numbers.

Hammersmith and Fulham – High Density in a Small Borough

Coming in second is Hammersmith and Fulham, with a comparatively small population of 183,295, but 581 cameras in place. That gives it 31.70 cameras per 10,000 residents, a striking figure for such a compact area. This west London borough boasts a diverse mix of entertainment venues, residential areas, and transport links, all of which require efficient surveillance. The high camera density helps manage crowds, reduce crime, and support emergency services.

Greenwich – Balancing Tourism and Safety

In third place is Greenwich, a borough with both historical significance and modern appeal. Hosting popular attractions like the Royal Observatory and the O2 Arena, it welcomes a high number of tourists annually. With 911 cameras covering 289,254 people, Greenwich deploys 31.49 cameras per 10,000 residents, making it one of the most surveilled tourist hotspots in the capital. The borough’s strategy likely focuses on maintaining order during high-footfall events and safeguarding visitors.

Ealing – A Balanced Security Approach

Ealing stands fourth with 733 CCTV cameras serving a population of 366,127, resulting in a ratio of 2.01 cameras per 1,000 residents. Known for its green spaces and residential character, Ealing’s security approach favours moderate, balanced surveillance. CCTV here is likely focused on town centres, parks, public transport nodes and shopping areas, ensuring a visible but not overwhelming presence.

Sutton – Community-Centric Monitoring

With 398 cameras and a population of 209,517, Sutton boasts 19.00 cameras per 10,000 people. This outer London borough is often ranked among the safest in the city, and its investment in public surveillance supports that reputation. While it may not have the camera counts of central boroughs, Sutton’s network likely emphasises neighbourhood safety, particularly in schools, high streets and transport zones.

Harrow – Suburban Vigilance

Harrow, a north-west London borough with 260,987 residents and 494 cameras, lands next with 18.93 cameras per 10,000 people. While not among the most surveilled areas, Harrow’s figures show a clear commitment to urban safety. Its camera network is strategically placed in busy retail centres, public facilities, and routes to schools, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and support community policing.

Lambeth – Surveillance in a Dense Urban Area

With a population of 317,498 and 502 cameras, Lambeth reports 15.81 cameras per 10,000 residents. As one of the most dynamic and diverse boroughs in London, Lambeth faces unique challenges around public safety. High foot traffic, nightlife and a mix of residential and commercial zones make CCTV a critical tool for local authorities. While not the highest on the list, Lambeth’s coverage appears suited to its busy urban environment.

Kingston upon Thames – Lower Density, Still Secure

Kingston upon Thames has 218 cameras for a population of 167,845, yielding 1.30 cameras per 1,000 residents. As a quieter borough with a significant student population and a thriving retail sector, Kingston maintains a solid yet modest CCTV network. Surveillance is likely to focus on shopping areas, riverside zones, and nightlife spots, ensuring a safe atmosphere for both residents and visitors without excessive monitoring.

Tower Hamlets – Central Location, Conservative Coverage

Despite being home to Canary Wharf and other key business areas, Tower Hamlets records just 12.17 cameras per 10,000 residents, with 380 cameras serving 312,273 people. Its relatively lower ranking may be due to the extensive use of private CCTV by commercial enterprises, which supplements the public system. Nonetheless, it remains a borough where surveillance plays a crucial role, particularly in supporting business security and maintaining public order in densely populated areas.

Enfield – A Lighter Surveillance Strategy

Enfield closes the list with 339 cameras for a population of 329,601, equating to 10.29 cameras per 10,000 residents. As one of the least surveilled boroughs in this top 10, Enfield’s approach appears more selective. Cameras are likely concentrated in key public spaces, transport hubs and town centres rather than deployed widely across residential zones.

Government, Household, and Business CCTV Cameras in London

London is one of the most monitored cities globally, with a staggering number of CCTV cameras installed across public and private spaces. These cameras are not limited to government use; they are widely deployed by businesses and households, all contributing to an extensive surveillance network that operates 24/7.

Total Number of CCTV Cameras in London

It is estimated that there are approximately 942,562 CCTV cameras in operation across Greater London. This figure includes public (government-managed), commercial (business-owned), and private (residential or household) surveillance systems. This vast number places London among the most surveilled cities in the world, alongside cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Government/Public CCTV Cameras

Public space CCTV systems are typically managed by local councils, the Metropolitan Police, and Transport for London (TfL). These systems are found in high streets, town centres, tube stations, bus stops, parks, and other key public locations. The number of government-operated CCTV cameras is significantly smaller than the total, with estimates suggesting that around 25,000 to 30,000 cameras fall under this category.

Transport for London alone operates thousands of cameras across the London Underground, railways, and major roads, primarily used for traffic management and passenger safety. Meanwhile, local borough councils run their own CCTV networks in public areas to prevent crime and support law enforcement. These systems are typically subject to regulations under the UK’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

Business/Commercial CCTV Cameras

The majority of CCTV cameras in London are owned and operated by businesses. These include everything from high-street shops and shopping centres to office buildings, hotels, banks, warehouses, and industrial sites. It’s estimated that over 500,000 cameras in London belong to commercial operators.

Retailers, in particular, are heavy users of CCTV for loss prevention, employee monitoring, and customer safety. Larger chain stores may have dozens of cameras at a single site. Banks, petrol stations, and logistics companies also rely on surveillance as a core part of their security infrastructure. Many businesses integrate their CCTV with alarm systems and remote monitoring, particularly in areas with higher crime risks.

Household/Residential CCTV Cameras

There has been a sharp increase in the use of household CCTV over the past decade, largely driven by the affordability of home security systems, including smart doorbell cameras such as Ring, Nest, and Blink. Homeowners install these devices to deter burglars, monitor deliveries, and remotely watch over their property via smartphones.

It’s estimated that over 400,000 cameras are installed in private residences across London. These cameras range from simple entryway units to more advanced multi-camera setups covering entire properties. As concerns over safety and package theft grow, more households are turning to CCTV for peace of mind.

How Many CCTV Cameras Do the Met Police Operate?

The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) operates a relatively small portion of London’s total CCTV network. It is estimated that the Met Police directly manage around 2,000 to 3,000 CCTV cameras across the city. These cameras are primarily used for law enforcement purposes, such as monitoring crime hotspots, supporting investigations, and maintaining public order during major events or protests.

Most public CCTV in London is not operated by the police but rather by local councils and Transport for London (TfL), which together manage tens of thousands of cameras. The Met often works in partnership with these bodies to access footage when needed, especially for crime prevention, incident response, and criminal investigations.

Conclusion

London’s extensive CCTV network highlights the city’s commitment to public safety and crime prevention. As surveillance technology continues to advance, staying informed about its presence and purpose is crucial. For businesses looking to enhance their security systems, professional support can make all the difference. Whether you need Commercial CCTV, Fire Solutions, Monitoring Solutions or intruder alarms, Currant Live is here to help. Get expert advice and reliable service tailored to your needs. Visit Currant Live today to find out how we can support your security goals and give you peace of mind.