Where Should You Place Outdoor Security Cameras?

It’s unfortunate that, for various reasons, the crime rate is increasing. In previously safe areas, residential homes are experiencing a step up in criminal activities. This trend also affects gated communities, which have some exposure on the boundary despite having security at the main entrance.

Outdoor security cameras should be placed in the following locations:

1. Monitoring all gates
2. Monitoring boundary walls and fences
3. All Windows
4. Garages Or Carports
5. Overlooking boats, RVs, and cars parked outside

Not only do cameras provide a valuable admissible recording of an event, but they also act as an early warning detection system and have a deterrent effect on, would be, intruders. Most people who have an ill-intent look for the softest target, the path of least resistance, and visible cameras are some of the protections that may cause a potential intruder to move on.

The Best Spots For Security Cameras

Security cameras are not a substitute for physical security in your home; neither do they replace residents who practice sensible safety-aware lifestyles.

As a backup to these features and habits, they have a deterrent value, and if the home boundary is breached, they provide admissible evidence if the perpetrators are brought to book.

Selecting the optimum positions is critical, and you should spend some time considering the places to use.

Position 1 –  A Security Camera Should Monitor All Gates.

The most apparent placement position for a security camera is overlooking all the boundary entrances to the property.

Being so obvious, you may think that burglars won’t enter through the front gate. The reality is that 39.5% of all burglaries involve entrance through the front door. By making sure that a security camera is pointed at each entry position, you can capture images of the perpetrators.

Position 2 – Security Cameras Should Monitor The Boundary

If the perpetrators are a bit fitter, make sure you capture their breach into your property by having a wide field of view security camera aimed at the boundary.

Position 3 –  Fit Security Cameras Aimed At All Doors

Burglars do not care about your property, and the most common way they gain access is by damaging or removing a side door, sliding door, and screen doors.

Make sure that a camera is pointed at each of these entrances.

Position 4 – The Security Cameras Should View All Windows

9.4% of all burglars enter a property either through an unlocked window or one which they can pick the lock or force open.

Ensure that there is a camera pointed at all downstairs windows.

Position 5 – The Camera Should Monitor The Garage Or Carport

Motor vehicles are a prime target for burglars. Not only can burglars sell them or use them to commit another crime, but owners often leave valuable items inside them.

Hot tip, remove all valuables from your car when you get home.

Mount a security camera above the garage doors to ensure that you have a  clear view of anyone trying to gain access at this point.

Position 6 –  A Camera Must Monitor Vehicles Stored Outside

If you park your vehicle outside, possibly even on the road, or you have an RV, a boat, or any other high-value item, mount a security camera that views the parked vehicle.

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Security Camera Placement

As general guidance, the following are recommendations on the characteristics of ideal mounting pointsfor security cameras.

How High Should A Security Camera Be Mounted?

If you have a double-story house, mount the cameras on the second story and aim at the areas you want to protect – if you live in a single-story home, then install the cameras as high as possible.

Ensure The Security Camera Has A Good Field Of View

Security cameras should have an unobstructed field of view and ensure that no plants or trees reduce visibility. If you are installing the security camera system in Winter, remember leaves grow back, and what was an unobstructed field of vision may be blocked by a luscious tree in Summer.

Don’t Install The Security Cameras Facing The Sun.

Try to find mounting positions where the sun is shining behind the security camera. It gives the best exposure settings and lights up the field of view. The opposite is true if the security camera faces the sun as the recorded video may have sunspots blocking the viewing area.

Sometimes there is no alternative; however, remember the sun’s position if possible.

Try To Avoid Mounting The Security Camera In Shade

Don’t install the security camera in the shade and aimed at a sunny area. The resultant video may be overexposed, and you won’t distinguish fine details.

Make Sure Some Of The Cameras Are Visible From The Boundary

One of the features of a security camera system is its deterrent value.

A joke goes, “what do you do if a shark chases you.”

The answer is “Swim faster than the others.”

It is how burglars view potential targets. If they can see your property has an installed security system, they will often move on and find a neighboring house that doesn’t have visible security. Homes not protected by a security system are three times more likely to be robbed.

So, make sure that at least some of your security cameras are easily visible to anyone outside the property, casing it as a potential target.

Despite this, it is also essential that you install some security cameras in hidden locations to ensure that, if the burglars try to disable the cameras they can see, a record of the event is still recorded.

Protect The Security Cameras

To ensure the longevity of the security cameras, try to install them in protected positions.

Protect The Security Cameras From The Elements

Wind, rain, and sun UV rays will degrade the security camera’s casing.

Try to find an installation spot where the security camera is protected from the elements.

Protect The Security Cameras From People

Potential perpetrators or even just destructive vandals may try to damage, or ironically, steal, the security cameras.

To prevent opportunistic thieves from damaging the security cameras, install the visible cameras in hard-to-reach areas.

Select Appropriate Security Camera Technology

When researching the proposed security cameras, make sure that they operate even if the burglars interfere with the system.

To ensure this, consider the following features.

Store The Security Video Feed On The Cloud

It’s a good idea to ensure the technology you use automatically sends the video feed to an external server or the “cloud.”

It’s great having a security camera system, but if the thieves steal the recording device, there needs to be a backup to ensure you have access to the record.

Live Stream The Security Video

You will want to check the security cameras’ live video feeds while away from your home.

Ensure that the video camera system supports this and that an app is provided to enable you to access the feed remotely.

Use Wireless Technology To Steam The Security Feed

If the perpetrators disconnect your phone, fiber, or broadband internet connection ensure that the security camera system can use various internet access points to switch through if the primary method is disconnected.

Connect The Security Camera System To A UPS

To ensure the system continues to function when the power is disconnected, attach an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to give it a back capability.

Conclusion

Correctly installed cameras set up with appropriate supporting equipment will result in a great security system to deter some potential burglars, provide an early warning of what is about to happen, and store admissible video feeds in any future court case.

Working with an experienced security expert will ensure that your security camera system meets your needs and helps protect your family.