The home security industry is booming and the industry is only projected to grow in the coming years. With statistics revealing that one in every 180 packages are stolen amounting to a whopping 119 million reported package thefts in 2023, it is no wonder people are turning to cameras to monitor their home’s exterior.1
Theft isn’t the only crime that may be thwarted by a security camera. Statistics also reveal that nearly half of all violent crimes occur at a residence.2 It’s important to determine how many cameras you need, and where to install the cameras, to ensure the best security for your home and property.
This is where a professional locksmith can assist.
Your unique situation is the first consideration when trying to determine the number of security cameras you will need. Do you want to cover just the most vulnerable areas of your home, such as your front or back door, or do you want to monitor your entire property or do something between the two ?
ADT reports that the majority of break-ins occur through a home’s front door with unlocked windows and the back door as runners-up.3
Types of Cameras
A doorbell camera can provide all the security you need if you just want to monitor visitor and package delivery. You may want to take it a step further and install an indoor camera or cameras as well as an outdoor camera.
The indoor camera might go best in a high traffic area such as a hallway or you may wish to place a “nanny cam” in a child’s bedroom or a pet cam where your pet eats or routinely sleeps. An indoor camera positioned to keep track of areas where you have valuables, such as artwork, a safe, or jewelry can also be beneficial.
If you want to monitor your outside property it is suggested that you purchase a camera with a wider field of view, preferably 130 degrees or more.4 Placed correctly, this camera can monitor fences, play areas, pools, outdoor entertaining areas, garages or storage sheds, side doors and vulnerable ground level windows.
Camera Do’s
Make sure any security camera you place is as high as possible as it will provide you with a better view. Angle the lens of the camera slightly downward to reduce blinding glare and refraction from the sun or clouds and place it in the shade when possible.5
Put your cameras in plain view so thieves can see them, but high enough so they can’t disable the cameras. Make sure to readjust your camera based on the seasons. In the winter you may have an unobstructed view of your yard, but as the bushes and trees get their leaves back in the spring, your view may change.
The newer version of security cameras often have wide fields of view, offer the ability to pan the outdoor space and tilt up and down. so a single camera will cover a large swatch of your property.6
Some cameras can even track movement. Many of the systems sold today allow users to add cameras as their needs change. If you don’t feel you have adequate coverage usually you can add additional cameras.
Camera Don’ts
There are some areas where you should never put cameras. These include areas where a person would assume they have privacy, such as in a bathroom, bedroom or clothes changing area near a pool. You shouldn’t place a camera where it has a direct view of your neighbor’s property. Pointing a camera directly toward a neighbor’s property or home could lead to privacy violations and legal disputes.7
Locksmith Services for Camera Installation, Home Security and More
Clearly there is a lot to know to effectively monitor your home and property using security cameras. A professional locksmith can analyze your situation, make recommendations for products and placement, can install your security cameras, and can instruct you on their operation. ####
Action Locksmith is a third-generation locksmith company that provides the most trusted and referred locksmith services throughout Southeast Michigan. Our technicians have extensive experience and knowledge in all areas of locks, doors, key systems, and security as well as home safe installation and repair. Contact us to learn more about our residential and commercial locksmith services as well as our Special Offers!
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1, 2 Home Security Statistics 2025, by Rob Gabriele, 11/20/2024
Link: https://www.safehome.org/data/home-security-statistics/
4, 6 How Many Security Cameras Does My House Need? by Tyler Lacoma, 8/24/2024
Link: https://www.cnet.com/home/security/how-many-security-cameras-does-my-house-need/
3, 5, 7 7 Rules to Follow Before Installing a Home Security Camera and Where You Should Never Put One, by Chris Bayer, 12/31/2024
Link: https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/smart-home/7-rules-to-follow-before-installing-a-home-security-camera-and-where-you-should-never-put-one/