The Top Five Locations to Place Your Home Security Cameras
You just bought an amazing security system, and now you're looking for the best place to put your security cameras that will be effective in catching all nefarious acts. Should they be put in the bedroom or placed out the window? Upstairs or Downstairs? Its effectiveness is dependent upon where you place it. Here are five locations and tips on placing your security cameras to maximize their effectiveness.
#1 - The Front Door
With 34% of burglaries happening through the front door, the front door should be the first place to put your security camera. Burglars aren't afraid to enter through the main entry point since it is sometimes the easiest way to get in. Most people forget to or don't lock their front doors. All an intruder has to do is twist the knob, and they have access to your most valuable possessions. Protip: Place your camera at a second-floor level to prevent the burglar from breaking the camera. Pro-Pro Tip: Lock your front door! Or better yet, invest in a smart lock!
#2 - Main Stairs or Hallway
Nationwide, there were an estimated 6,925,677 property crimes in 2019. Most of these burglaries happened in the daytime between 10 am and 3 PM. After entering your home, any main area or place where a burglar would have to pass through to access the rest of your home, should be surveilled. This includes common areas like the family room or kitchen. Protip: Although you may keep valuables in your bedroom, it's best to keep the cameras out to maintain privacy. If you have a camera in your main areas, you'll be able to see that an intruder has entered your bedroom and can check for any stolen items. 2x the protip: Security cameras also shouldn’t be in your bathroom!
#3 - Driveway
If you have a driveway, this is another important area to monitor with an outdoor camera. Many burglars will use the driveway to enter your home and will subsequently enter through an open garage door. Intruders can use the shade to enter unannounced, especially because most driveways are dark. Don't forget to deal with the lighting issue for night time monitoring. Protip: If your cameras are not enabled with night vision, you should provide enough lighting that allows for clear footage even in the dark. Invest in motion sensor lights to really boost your nighttime security. Genius Level Tip: Putting cameras too close to bright lights will cause the picture to be disrupted, and outdoor cameras pointing to direct sunlight is a big no no!
#4 - Yard
The dream of having a home with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids does not come without its challenges. Monitoring the front and back yard helps keep track of any thieves entering your property but also can be important to watch those who belong, such as your half a child or family pets. Major Protip: Don't forget to consider security camera placement laws. Pointing a camera at a neighbors home or invading someone else's privacy is considered illegal. Please be smart and conscientious when placing surveillance equipment!
#5 - Corners, Corners, Corners
Corners are the place to be when it comes to placing a security camera. They give you the best field of view. This works best when monitoring inside your home such as in a basement or garage. Placing a camera in the corner of your home ensures that you will catch any unwanted activity. Protip - Putting cameras high up and in the corner is the ultimate camera hack you need to get the most out of your camera.
When installing indoor or outdoor security cameras, it's ok to test out a few different areas to see what works best for you and your location. As long as you secure all points of entry, monitor both inside and outside, placing your cameras high and in the corners, while adhering to placement laws, you too can be a security camera pro!
