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Where to position CCTV cameras in your home
Adding CCTV or any form of home security and surveillance tech to your home is a fantastic way to add an additional layer of security and peace of mind. Whilst they don’t fully protect your home, they can act as a burglar deterrent and even allow you to record footage, should the worst-case scenario happen.
But where is the best place to position CCTV cameras in your home? In this post, we’ll talk about the best places to fix your home security cameras, the benefits of having CCTV cameras in your home and answer the most frequently asked questions about placing CCTV cameras in your home.
Best places to install security cameras
1. Front and back doors
It’s a good idea to have an outdoor (and indoor!) camera pointing at entry points into your home, such as your front and back doors. A video doorbell is a great idea too – as they cover quite a bit of ground when placed at doorbell level.
2. Driveways
Say someone with prying eyes approaches your home, your driveway is usually the route they will take. So by pointing an exterior CCTV camera at your driveway, you can see who comes and goes.
3. Off-street windows
Windows that don’t face a street may be appealing for burglars to attempt to break into, so it’s important to have extra protection in these areas by installing a CCTV camera that points at it. It goes without saying that you should secure these windows (and any entry points into your home) by ensuring locks are in working order and used to secure them.
4. Garage
Garages are still an entry point into your home, so having a camera face its entry point (and even an “indoor” camera inside the garage) can help cover as much ground as you need for your own peace of mind.
5. Garden
Garden security is a big deal too – after all, you may have expensive tools such as lawn mowers, shovels, barbecues, and the like. Arm your home garden with an outdoor CCTV camera to cover as much space as possible, particularly in any areas where someone could hide, such as behind a shed or by a side door.
6. Indoors
Many mistakenly believe that CCTV cameras are only for outdoor use. However, placing a camera inside, focused on doors or windows, can capture a clear image of an intruder’s face, which can help identify the culprit should the worst happen. The downside of indoor cameras is that they’re less visible as deterrents, meaning a burglar might only spot them after entering your home.
The benefits of CCTV cameras in your home
Keeping your home safe and secure isn’t always as simple as buying a video surveillance system. Without knowing where to position CCTV cameras, you could end up unknowingly increasing the risk of criminal activity in your own home.
The use of commercial CCTV systems in the UK is growing by the day, reaching 5.2 million in 2020, with 96% of these being operated by private businesses owners and homeowners. Perhaps COVID has had a part to play in this, with the thought of heading back into the office once more making people more aware of their home security, fearing the thought of leaving their beloved belongings home alone?
Before installing a home security camera system, it’s necessary to briefly transport yourself into the mind of a criminal. Consider which items are most likely to be stolen, the areas that could be the most targeted, and any hiding places that shouldn’t be forgotten about. With former burglars admitting that they’re most likely to be put off breaking in upon coming face-to-face with a barking dog, or a CCTV camera, it’s worthwhile considering this as a home security option.
1. Securing entrances to your home
One of the best places to position your video surveillance system is at the entrances to your home. This should include your front door or ground floor windows, without forgetting any back entrances that may make for a sneakier break in. CCTV cameras use advanced technology to provide high-quality images through video analytics, so you’ll want to make sure that there’s nothing obstructing the lense to get a clear view of a potential crook.
2. Monitoring your driveway
Deter unwanted trespassers by monitoring your driveway, using a CCTV camera to capture any entrances to your home. Upon seeing that they’re being watched, criminals may be less likely to make any advancements by stopping them at the first hurdle. For any CCTV cameras that are situated outside, just be sure to give them a wipe every now and then so that they can capture a much clearer picture. Hardiness is also important for this, so select a model that will be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions that are infamous in this country.
3. Keeping your valuables safe
Where are your most prized positions hidden in your home? Don’t go shouting it out, but upon reflection, are they well protected? Although it’s worth hiding them in a place that isn’t too obvious, there will always be some valuables that can’t be disguised. This is why it’s important to situate CCTV cameras in rooms that could be easily targeted, for example, your garage that houses your car or expensive gardening tools.
4. Deterring the criminal’s favourite hiding places
Criminals will always favour rooms that make for a discrete break in, whether this be a darker area, a garden with tall grass to hide behind, or a back facing window. These are the areas that you, or your CCTV camera, needs to keep a constant eye on. Ensure that your video surveillance system covers any blind spots, which may require installing multiple cameras in varying positions.
5. Ideal lighting for CCTV cameras
Lighting is another crucial aspect to consider when knowing where to position CCTV cameras in your home. If the area is too bright, you could risk reflection and glare affecting the image quality. With this in mind, place your camera in indirect sunlight to guarantee optimum security. You should also be cautious of darker areas that house valuables, so keep watch with night vision to detect any suspicious activity.
6. Record at a height – the best height for CCTV cameras
Your CCTV camera must be able to capture as much of the room as possible, and you can do this by positioning them, ideally, nine feet above the ground. This way, you can see an area in its entirety, whilst avoiding the risk of your surveillance camera being tampered with. Just be sure to test it out and make adjustments to the position as necessary.
Frequently asked questions about placing security cameras around your home
How many CCTV cameras does a house need?
Before buying security cameras for your home, you should consider your property’s layout and the areas you want to cover in particular.
On average, we typically recommend two to four outdoor and one to two indoor cameras. Just keep in mind that this is a guide, and your needs will vary based on your property size and security concerns. For monitoring a porch, a doorbell camera can cover a fair bit of ground However, comprehensive property coverage needs a thorough setup. Place cameras at main entry points and consider additional ones for blind spots.
Should a CCTV camera be above or below light?
It’s best to avoid placing cameras where bright light shines directly or reflects onto your CCTV lens. We recommend strategically positioning lights to enhance camera visibility and minimise potential hiding shadows for intruders.
Do home CCTV cameras use a lot of electricity?
This completely depends on the cameras you get. On average, CCTV cameras can use anywhere between 4 and 40 watts. The more cameras you use, the more power you consume too. The benefits of having CCTV in your home may outweigh this, especially if it gives you and your family peace of mind whether you’re in or out of the house.
What is the first thing you should consider when installing a CCTV camera in your home?
When setting up a home security system, the first thing you need to think about is the coverage you need your CCTV to cover. Next, choose the camera type you need, such as an outdoor, indoor or doorbell camera. Wireless options are increasingly popular for their convenient placement in and outside of the home. It’s also a good idea to have cameras that have HD recording capabilities so you can get clear footage.
From home security to workplace security, our team is experienced in advising you on the best systems to suit your needs. We want to ensure that you, your family, and your employees are well protected at all times, offering installation and security system maintenance services to guarantee long-lasting safety. Get in touch with us today!