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A guide to buying and installing home security cameras

Tamara Avatar By: Tamara | Last updated February 14, 2019

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Having security cameras all over your house is not just a whim anymore. Americans lose more than 15 billions of dollars every year in the form of stolen property. While security cameras are more of an intimidation tool and can’t really prevent robberies from taking place, they are very useful after a heist, because they can help you identify the robber and get your things back.

If you are convinced about investing in a home security system, it is also important to know how to use it in order to maximize its efficiency. It is not just about choosing a top-notch camera, you also have to know what to do with it.

Here are some useful tips to help you choose and properly install your security cameras:

  • Install the security cameras in one of these spots:

Front door: this is the main entrance in your house after all and estimates show that almost 35% of the thieves use it when it comes to a robbery. Place your camera high enough to be out of reach and focus it on the front door. You could also enclose it in mesh wiring. This way it can’t be easily destroyed by villains

Back door: this is another common entryway so you might also consider placing one there as well

First floor windows: according to the BJS (Bureau of Justice Statistics) over 80% of burglars will come in through the first floor, which is kind of logical, given that it is the easiest entryway

Off-street windows: rear windows are also preferred by the burglars because they are less visible

Backyard: this is another smart spot, especially if you leave things lying around in your backyard. These could be a magnet for burglars, so it wouldn’t hurt to monitor that area too

Baby room: this might sound a bit paranoid, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you already have a baby monitor, you should also place a security camera in your baby’s bedroom. They are useful not only for detecting any possible burglars, but also to let you know if, for instance, your child gets out of his crib.

  • A useful tip when it comes to security cameras is knowing what features to look for. Some of the most important are live remote monitoring via an app or web browser, real-time activity alerts in case of any suspicious activity (through SMS, e-mail, etc.), zoom and pan (try not to choose a static camera), multichannel recording so you can monitor more than one room, motion detection.
  • Make sure you find out before you buy the system how easy it is to install. Will you be able to do it by yourself or you’ll need a professional
  • Check out the image resolution and whether the camera has night vision or not
  • Do a little research and decide whether you want to go with a wireless or a wired system. While wireless cameras are easier to install and be spotted, wired ones won’t bother you with constant battery changes and they are more reliable
  • Don’t forget about choosing cameras that are waterproof or can handle moisture and extreme temperatures, especially for your outdoor cameras.

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