Guest Post: Security Camera Placement for Your Home

Protecting your property and possessions with security cameras is a sure-fire way to deter trespassers, burglars, and even those pesky neighborhood kids who think they can run freely in your yard.   On top of preventing break-ins and vandalism, surveillance cameras allow you to respond quickly to suspicious activity before and after an incident. 

Video surveillance is one of the most important evidentiary tools for police, as it gives them valuable information that may lead to an arrest.  The advanced surveillance technology available today has been a boon to homeowners.  Investing in network surveillance cameras gives you access to your entire camera system from a PC or Smartphone device, so you can view your live video feed while you’re away from home.  Imagine going on vacation and still being able to monitor your home and property. It’s a nice thought, isn’t it?

Before you decide what type of security cameras to purchase, consider all the various camera placement options. What’s most important is the quality of video, not the number of cameras you own.  If you purchase six ultra-cheap cameras at a big-box retail store, you’re not going to capture high-quality video. Grainy, hard-to-depict images have little to no evidentiary value and make it practically impossible to identify suspects captured on camera.  Cameras should be installed in at least one of these three strategic areas:

Front Doors:  Mounting a camera atop or near a front door is key to identifying everyone who comes to your front door, including expected visitors, delivery drivers, and other service professionals who enter your home.  Roughly 34% of all break-ins occur at the front door according to the FBI. There are hundreds of outdoor IP cameras that work particularly well in this type of setting.  Many of them can also handle extreme temperatures so you don’t have to worry about hot or cold temperatures affecting video performance.   

Back Doors: Back doors are often overlooked, but are just as important as front doors.  Cameras should be installed above the door, either inside or outside your home to monitor for any usual activity.  You can place surveillance cameras on the eaves of your roof, outdoor overhangs, or soffits directly above or near your back door. 

High-Traffic Rooms:  It’s a good idea to also invest in an indoor security camera to watch over valuable items like electronics and antiques. Surveillance cameras installed in living rooms, kitchens, and above staircases also monitor service professionals such as house cleaners, contractors, caregivers, and babysitters.  If anyone is able to get past your front or back door, an indoor security camera can serve as a reliable back-up method in capturing the face of anyone who tries to steal while in your home. 

Sheds and Pool Houses:  If you have a multi-car garage, pool house, or shed on your property, you might want to purchase an additional camera to monitor these areas as they often contain valuable possessions. 

Remember that image quality far exceeds the power of multiple, poorly built cameras.  More cameras do not necessarily mean you’ll be more protected. What matters most is to invest in high-quality security cameras with HD resolution to make recognition and identification possible. Your video is worthless if you can’t make out what is captured on video. 

Ellen brings a wealth of experience in research, writing, and outreach to her role as Communications Manager for www.VideoSurveillance.com. Ellen currently provides businesses and homeowners with educational content and sources aimed to enhance their knowledge of IP video surveillance technology and its long-term benefits.