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Optimal Camera Placement for Outdoor Security Systems

An outdoor security camera mounted above a doorway.

The Smartest Locations for Surveillance Cameras 

Outdoor security cameras play a crucial role in safeguarding your property and providing peace of mind. However, if your cameras aren’t installed in ideal locations, you could accidentally create blind spots—negating the entire purpose of a surveillance system! 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the optimal locations to install cameras in outdoor security systems, ensuring coverage and enhanced security for your Nashville, TN, home. 

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Cover the Whole Property—Not Just the Front Door

Video doorbells have become increasingly popular in recent years, but having only one camera on the door isn’t going to do much. According to a report by ADT, only 34 percent of burglaries start at the front door. 23 percent of burglars enter through a first-floor window, 22 percent break in through the back door, and 9 percent enter through the garage. Even 2 percent of trespassers try entering through second-story windows! 

So it’s safe to say that a single video doorbell isn’t going to cut it if you’re concerned about security. Safeguard back doors, windows, basement entrances, and garages with cameras for a complete view of your property. We recommend using ‘trap’ surveillance cameras mounted at the corners of the house, sweeping every angle of the building.   

Make Cameras Only Reachable by Ladder 

Avoid installing cameras too low to the ground, as burglars can tamper with or steal any cameras within reach. We recommend installing cameras at least nine feet high, so no one can vandalize them. At the front door, mount the camera above the door, not at eye level, so it can’t be meddled with. 

Don’t Forget the Driveway and Garage 

Getting ahead of crime is always better than waiting until it’s too late. By installing security cameras and sensors on your driveway, you can receive alerts when cars linger in the driveway for several minutes. If you’re away on vacation and not expecting any visitors, you can set your security system to notify you of all detected vehicles. And if your system is triggered, you can view live surveillance footage and even capture license plates. This placement is especially useful if you have a long driveway or frequently spend time away from home. 

And don’t forget the garage! Garages and outbuildings like pool houses and sheds are often used to store valuable assets, making them potential targets for theft or vandalism. Installing security cameras near these structures allows you to monitor and protect these areas alongside the rest of your house. 

Consider Both Visible & Discreet Cameras 

Many people ask us if their security cameras should be hidden or in the open. We say there’s value to both methods. Visible cameras can intimidate criminals and motivate them to find another target elsewhere. But discreet cameras can also capture evidence without drawing any attention to itself. We recommend using a combination of both visible and hidden outdoor cameras for an effective security system.

 

We hope this has helped your home security journey. But if installing a camera system is too much of a hassle? Let the professionals handle it. Mavien designs and installs state-of-the-art surveillance systems that you can manage and control right from your phone. Contact us here to get started today!

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