Best Places to Put Your Outdoor Camera

A home without a security system is 3 times as likely to get broken into than one with a security system. 

Video cameras add even more protection because they often deter criminals before attempting to get into a home.

According to the survey, “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective,” conducted by the University of North Carolina, 60% of burglars would consider the presence of security cameras when selecting a target, and more than 40% said that cameras are a factor in choosing another target.

Law abiding people don’t tend to consider the mind of a burglar. But the fact is, most thieves know more about home security than the average home owner. So it’s important to know the best place to put a security camera so they skip your home and move on, away from your property.

We’ve uncovered the best places to install security cameras around the outside of your home to help deter burglars.

Front Door

• Because most burglars try the front door first, installing a security camera here is a great way to deter them before they try to get in.
• Place your camera above the door, about 7 feet up, at a downward angle to best record facial images.

Side and Back Doors

• If the front door isn’t an option, the burglar will most likely try a side or back door.  Reports show that 22% of burglars enter through the back door because they know that in most homes the back door is not as secure as the front.
• If there is a window at the door, position the camera so that it covers them both.
• It’s also a good idea to position a camera to cover your entire backyard and any out-building you may have.

Windows

• Approximately 23% of burglars will break into a home from a first floor window if they can’t get in through a door. Windows at the back or side of the house are the most vulnerable.
• This is also a good place for an indoor camera placed on a table focusing on the window and anything that might crawl through.

Garage

• Approximately 9% of burglars get in the house through the garage so consider pointing a security camera at your garage doors.

It’s important to remember that security cameras are not a replacement for monitored home security systems.  They are to simply add an extra layer of security.  If you want to feel safe and secure inside your home, you should purchase a security system with professional monitoring so if an intruder gets inside, you will have help – quickly.

Below are more stats that may help you decide where to place your outdoor security cameras:

• 81% of break-ins occur on the first floor
• 4% of burglars will enter a residence via a basement
• 12% walk in casually through unlocked entrances

Check out EMC Security’s selection of video cameras including our indoor camera priced at just $79.