Did you know that nearly 90,000 packages are stolen every day in New York? Or that the value of property stolen throughout the U.S. is increasing year-on-year from home burglaries?
Security cameras act as a great deterrent for thieves and home burglars, as well as a great tool to keep an eye on your family. But you can't place security cameras just anywhere, otherwise your cameras may not capture a full view of your property or intruders.
Follow along and we'll show you:
- Data-driven positioning for security cameras
- Where to place your security cameras around your home
- Mistakes to avoid when installing a security camera system
Ackerman Security values your safety and security with our written "no-theft" guarantee. Call us at 800.552.1111 or contact us online for a free estimate for security camera installation and 24/7 monitoring
Data-driven positioning for security cameras
There's a lot of ground to cover in and around any home, so camera placement is key if you want to cover all of your bases. If you don't place your security cameras in the correct positions, you may not be as protected as possible.
A study compiled from data provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Justice shows that:
- 34% of break-ins happen by the front door
- Most burglaries will happen on the first floor
- 83% intruders try to identify some alarm or home security system before breaking in
Based on this data, the best position for security cameras will be on the first floor, around front doors, windows and even the back door. Keep in mind, thieves may try to break-in from the back to avoid being spotted by any traffic, neighbors or bystanders.
Best locations for security cameras
With the data that we have, we can recommend the best spots to place your cameras around your home.
Front door
The front door is going to be one of the best locations for a security camera. Place it above the door and position it so it can record a few feet in front of the opening. Aim it downward so that you can get a clear view of people walking up to your front porch and knocking on your door.
Remember: If you're placing the camera outside--and not nestled inside by a window that has a view of the yard--you'll want to make sure your camera is waterproof and equipped with night vision technology for recording in the dark.
The other alternative is to get a smart home device, such as the Ring doorbell camera--which can be fairly hidden from intruders, but still able to capture the important details.
Back door and side doors
You will want a security camera at your home's back door, too. Intruders may try to break into your home through the back to avoid the possibility of onlookers, such as cars passing by or people walking down the street.
Actual placement is similar to the front door--above the door, positioned so that the field of view sees a few feet in front of the opening. The same goes for any side doors you may have.
Garage and Driveway
The garage is another area of your home that you will want to equip with a security camera, especially if it is an attached garage--i.e. provides access to your home. Garages are typically the weakest entry point, so this is important.
The common mistake with garage security cameras is that people will place them too high, not allowing the camera to get enough detail of any person(s) entering or leaving. You don't want to place it too high up on your garage, but you want it out of reach as well. Directly above a door or car door is a safe bet.
You will want a security camera that has a good view of the driveway, too. This helps keep a closer eye on any assets you may own, as well as anyone walking (or driving) up the driveway.
Indoor
Cameras on the inside of your home is a personal choice. They can be helpful in common areas, but may also make your home environment feel weird with cameras taping. If you're not home often, they can provide some added protection in the event of a break-in, but may also reduce you and your family's comfort level while at home.
Mistakes to avoid with a security camera system
Setting up security cameras for your home might seem easy in terms of placement and positioning, but there are a few things to keep in mind to round out your indoor or outdoor setup.
Don't do too much
When you set up your security cameras, keep in mind that they are only meant to do one thing at a time- meaning, a single camera should not have multiple goals. For example, a single camera may not meet your goals if you're looking to have it monitor your front porch, provide a full view of license plates in your driveway plus give you a full view of your entire front yard. Narrow down your goals and assign a single camera to a single subject.
Avoid high placement
You want to keep security cameras out of reach so they cannot be tampered with, but you do not want to place them too high either. If you place them at the highest point, you'll get plenty of range and get to see a lot, but you won't get a detailed picture of a criminal's face or vehicle or any suspicious activity.
It's the difference between seeing an object on camera and being able to actually identify the criminal.
Steer clear of poor lighting
Night vision cameras make it easy to record footage when it is pitch black out; however, if you do not have the luxury of a night vision enabled camera, you will want to make sure your property has plenty of lighting. This will allow even base security cameras to record clear footage.
Interested in a home video surveillance system? Call Ackerman
For over 50 years, Ackerman Security Systems has been metro Atlanta's largest and most respected security company. Ackerman Security offers 24/7 peace of mind and protection, backed by a written "no-theft" guarantee. Call 800.552.1111 or contact us online for a free quote.
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