Retailers who install CCTV in their stores are being reminded to ensure they comply with data protection regulations after a Coventry newsagent was fined.

Kavitha Karthikesu was ordered to pay £200, with further costs of £439.28 and a victim surcharge of £20 after admitting an offence. Karthikesu said she had ignored warnings that she was in breach of the rules as she believed them to be spam.

Three steps to make sure you're on the right side of the law

1. Follow the CCTV Code of Practice. All retailers must make sure they follow the CCTV Code of Practice when setting up a system in their store.
2. Carry out an impact assessment. Although it sounds technical, this is simply an exercise that weighs up the benefits of having CCTV against the loss of employees’ privacy.
3. Register it. Contact the Information Commissioner's Office to register your use of CCTV.

Benchmark your shop for responsible retailing.