Gathering evidence to prove wrongdoing or stop criminal or antisocial activity from happening can be quite a satisfying experience. However, it can also be very dangerous. Understandably, people committing these acts (such as theft or fly-tipping, for example) dont want to be caught on camera. They are likely to react badly if they discover a body-worn spy camera, which could mean danger to the person who installed it.
Always monitor remotely
Modern spy cameras are quite sophisticated and can be monitored remotely from virtually any location using a laptop or smartphone. You dont need to put yourself at risk by going to retrieve the camera to access the footage every day.
Ask someone with you to adjust/retrieve the camera
If there's something obstructing the footage, you need to adjust the camera angle, or the time has come to retrieve the camera, and it's in a public place, dont go alone. Take at least one, if not more, people, with you and make sure one of you has a phone handy in case you need to call the police. It's unlikely to happen, but bad timing could mean that the person you have been filming spots you in connection with the camera. This could be dangerous, so make sure you have a backup.
Consider carefully before confronting someone with the footage
In most cases, confronting the person or people you've been filming is not a good idea to let them know you have evidence of their wrongdoing. If it's a crime, take it to the police. Even if it's an antisocial activity you've been filming, you can still contact the appropriate authorities, such as your local council or police community support team. Confronting the person may seem like a good idea, but it will hardly ever yield the results you want, and it could be very risky. You've done your job by collecting the evidence, now take it to the police and keep yourself safe.
Always remember the law
The temptation to name and shame can be irresistible if you've captured illegal or antisocial activity on film. You must resist, though, as sharing your footage online or on social networks can make your surveillance activity illegal. You can film in areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy and where you have a strong reason for doing so (i.e. to capture and prevent illegal activity). Still, you cant share it online or with any third party.
This is not only against the law, but it could trigger retaliation from the person being filmed or a witch hunt in which an innocent person could be caught up. Remember, your safety is far more important than catching a criminal. You can achieve this far more effectively by taking yourself out of the equation and handing your footage to the authorities. Avoid taking risks and use the technology safely, and you can improve your neighbourhood without putting yourself in danger.