Home security is one of the most common topics of discussion in the UK today. Thanks to social media and data being widely available, we are all becoming more aware of criminal elements in our community, and as such, it is not uncommon to see even modest households in the UK with home security cameras.
If you are unsure where to install such cameras, you are not alone. Many people invest in home security cameras but find themselves in a state of ‘analysis paralysis’ about the optimal location. When in the right place, security cameras continue to scare off potential burglars by making them feel far less confident about their chances of success. Statistics show that properties with home security cameras see the risk of property crime drop by around one-third.
By having home security cameras installed, you can have total peace of mind whether you are in bed, at work, on holiday, or out at the pub. Alarms that can provide you with immediate alerts and even connectivity to your local police force make it easier than ever to ward off criminals.
Of course, if you want to make sure you get the most out of your home security system, you need to place them accordingly. Read this guide which has been prepared by an expert Doncaster locksmith to get a better idea of things to consider when fitting and installing home security cameras.
Where Should I Place My Home Security Cameras?
While cameras deter intruders, it’s equally important to make sure that your doors and locks are secure. You should partner with a professional locksmith to assess your home’s entry points. Your local area Locksmiths can upgrade weak locks, install anti-snap cylinders, or reinforce doors to prevent forced entry. That’s how you complement your CCTV system’s deterrent effect.
For example, if your garage door or shed has outdated locks, a locksmith can modernize them, reducing vulnerabilities that cameras alone might not address. Now, we can discuss placing your home security camera in different parts of your house. To help you make a better decision on placement, we recommend you take the following into account:
Are Your Points of Entry Covered?
Any home security cameras should be installed first around the entryways into your home. At the very least, your front and back doors should be covered with cameras. Outdoor security should cover the entirety of your perimeter, always giving you an around-the-building view. Make sure that any cameras you install cover points of entry into your home, including any potential areas that would allow access through windows.
What About Your Vehicles?
Do you have a car, van, or bike parked outside your home? Make sure your cameras can see it as well. Keeping your vehicle in the cameras’ vision will always make claiming insurance easier. This is especially vital if you use your vehicle for work; you don’t want to be a victim of crime and shell out for replacement tools!
What About visibility?
As we know, the UK is not exactly the best place to live when it comes to weather. Much of the year involves cloudy weather, rain, and even snow. Outdoor cameras need to be weather protected, too, to ensure their view never becomes obscured by snow and the like. While most outdoor security cameras take this into account, cheaper models might not be quite so effective.
Powering Times & Connectivity
Another factor is that your camera must always be charged and connected to the internet. While most cameras come with dual Wi-Fi signals and spare batteries that charge quickly, you need to replace the batteries or recharge the system regularly. You could also install something like a solar panel or outdoor power cable to keep the camera always charged and operational.
Reachability
Lastly, make sure that any home security cameras you install are not easily reached. The last thing you need is a savvy criminal to snap the wires or block the footage with a well-placed distraction. Keep your cameras high enough that nobody can reach them without creating a ruckus.
The Best Places To Place Outdoor Home Security Cameras
There are some locations that you must take into account when fitting your home security cameras. To help you avoid mistakes, make sure that your cameras cover places like:
The Garden
If you have a garden, then make sure that your camera systems cover the garden and outdoor perimeter of your property in full. This will help you to keep a close eye on the outdoor area, including making sure that tools like motion sensors kick into gear when they should. Ensure that anything valuable in your garden gets extra attention, such as furniture and gardening equipment. Ideally, they should be stored in a shed or similar.
The Garage
Does your property also have a garage? Make sure that your home security cameras cover the garage as well. Also, always lock your garage behind you; the last thing you want is your security camera catching proof of negligence!
You should also consider having a security camera installed directly in your garage and, if possible, inside it. This can help eliminate the risk of burglars seeing your garage as an easier target than the rest of your home.
Also, make sure that your garage is secured with sturdy locks (such as anti-snap cylinders or reinforced deadbolts). That’s how you can prevent forced entry into your garage. Without anti-snap, burglar-resistant locks, your cameras won’t work as effectively!
The Driveway
The pathway or driveway up to your home is often the easiest point of entry. As such, make sure that your driveway is in the line of sight for your cameras. As mentioned above, you should certify that your vehicles are in full visibility of the security system. This provides both proof of theft should the worst happen and another deterrent to discourage thieves from attempting to steal.
The Best Places To Place Indoor Home Security Cameras
You should also consider installing indoor home security cameras. Where should you place these systems? We recommend that you cover areas such as:
Hallways
Always cover hallways. These areas often act as entry points into your building and should be constantly protected with home security cameras. Make sure that any cameras face your front and back doors. If possible, fit an entry sensor as well so that anyone entering without warning provides you with a suitable notification. You can also pair cameras with robust locks to create a layered defence. You should hire a locksmith to assess and upgrade your locks to ensure they match the security level of your cameras.
Sitting Rooms
Make sure that your living room also has a home security camera, as this room can be surprisingly accessible. All it takes is a window latch to be left ajar, and someone can climb in if they are brave enough. By having home security in the living room, you make them far less likely to try and climb in. Make sure that you do not leave any valuable items within the window view in your living room, as well. While they might look for technology or game consoles, they might spot artwork or even car keys.
Kitchen/Dining Rooms
Your kitchens also make easy entry points, as most kitchens have numerous windows that, during the summer or when cooking, could be left open to help cool the place door. Many people also use their kitchens to store items like bags, coats, and car keys. By having a security camera in here, you make it harder for someone to enter your kitchen unscathed. On a lighter note, it also makes spotting those mysterious midnight snack eaters a little easier!
Children’s Rooms
While we all deserve privacy, if you have any babies or toddlers at home, a camera can be a great way to keep them safe. In conjunction with baby monitors, you can use this camera to help keep an eye on them when they are sleeping. At the same time, along with alarm sensors, you can use this as another way to deter and spot any potential signs of break-ins and/or forced entries.
Looking To Install Home Security Cameras?
If you want to ensure that your home is protected accordingly, it pays to invest in some home security systems. Of course, installing these camera systems on your own is not easy, nor is setting up the system. If you want to get a home assessment and ensure that you have the best home security setup possible, contact a professionally trained locksmith to discuss what you need.
