New data reveals which cities are most concerned about home security as darker nights are upon us.
Search engine analysis by Emoov of “Security Cameras” and 3,607 related keywords has revealed a significant surge in interest in protecting your property across England.
In first place came Oxford with a 152% surge in searches for security cameras, suggesting that residents regard keeping their home safe as a top priority.
In second place was Poole, which had a 114.3% increase in searches, whilst Royal Tunbridge Wells came in third place with a 103.9% increase.
Top Security Camera Search Growth by Location (September 2023 – August 2025)
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September 2023- August 2024
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September 2024 to August 2025
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Percentage Increase or Decrease (%)
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The areas with the lowest search interest for home security cameras are Carlisle (4.84% of searches), followed by Blackpool, which saw a 22.4% decline.
Cambridge ranks at the bottom of the table with a 30.9% decline in searches.
Lowest Security Camera Search Growth by Location (September 2023 – August 2025)
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September 2023- August 2024
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September 2024 to August 2025
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Percentage Increase or Decrease (%)
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Nick Neale, Property expert at Emoov explains that this surge in online interest reflects a growing awareness of home safety, "Homeowners are becoming far more security-conscious, especially as the darker months draw in and opportunistic thefts tend to rise. Installing a visible security camera can act as a powerful deterrent to would-be intruders, and modern smart systems make it easier than ever to monitor your property from anywhere.
We’ve noticed a clear shift in buyer behaviour too. When people view homes, they’re increasingly asking about existing security features such as CCTV, smart doorbells, and motion lighting. It’s becoming part of what defines a ‘well-equipped’ modern home.
Top Expert Tips to Maximise Your Home Security This Winter
The Best Places to Put Your Security Cameras on Your Property
With interest in home security on the rise, Nick Neale, Property Expert at Emoov, shares his top practical tips to help homeowners stay safe this winter.
- Cover Key Entry Points
Position your cameras to monitor the most common entry routes, front and back doors, side gates, and ground-floor windows. These are the first places an intruder could potentially target. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that every camera can capture a clear image of anyone approaching a property. Overlapping angles between cameras can also help eliminate blind spots and provide comprehensive coverage around your home.
- Install Cameras at Eye Level for Better Identification
People often mount cameras too high, assuming a bird's eye view offers the best protection. This can make it difficult to identify facial features. Placing cameras at roughly five to six feet above ground level captures clearer, more useful footage for identification. Angling cameras slightly downward also prevents glare from streetlights or the sun. For external walls, weatherproof casings are essential to protect the camera from the elements and maintain image quality year-round.
- Use Motion-Activated Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in deterrence. Motion-activated floodlights can stop a break-in before it starts by startling intruders and alerting neighbours to unusual movement. Position lighting above entryways and driveways for maximum effect. It also boosts the quality of night-time recordings, ensuring your security footage is sharp and usable, something often overlooked until it’s too late.
- Protect High-Value Areas Indoors
Indoor security cameras shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you keep valuable possessions, such as jewellery, electronics, or artwork, in visible areas. Install discreet cameras in key locations such as hallways, safes, or living rooms. If possible, link indoor and outdoor cameras to a single app or smart home hub, allowing you to monitor all footage in real time from your phone. Some systems also send alerts if they detect unusual movement while you’re away.
- Invest in a Secure Safe
A sturdy safe offers the final layer of protection. Choose a safe that’s fire-resistant and bolted securely to the floor or wall. Avoid obvious hiding spots, such as under beds or in wardrobes, which burglars tend to check first. Instead, place your safe in a less predictable area, such as a utility room or under-stairs cupboard. Remember, visibility of security measures (like cameras) deters theft, but discretion with safes helps protect what’s inside.
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