Where should home security cameras be installed?

Home security cameras are a great addition to any home security system, providing you 24/7 access to your home, regardless of your location. Some people make the mistake of installing just one camera. However, most cameras can rotate only so much and zoom only so far. Like door and window sensors, home security cameras should be installed in multiple areas throughout your home.

Instead of focusing on a specific number of security cameras to install, consider which locations in and around your home will provide the widest viewing ranges. While all homes are situated differently, most have high-traffic spots that are more vulnerable to break-ins. You should place cameras to cover as many of these areas as possible.

• Front, back, and side doors. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, 40% of burglars entered homes through unlocked doors (the most common point of entry), while 35% resorted to physically breaking a door or window. Place exterior cameras above or near any doors leading into your home.
• Off-street windows. After unlocked and broken doors, unlocked windows were the third most common point of entry for burglars (30%). Windows that don’t directly face a street may be more prone to break-ins due to their privacy. Install exterior cameras above these windows, or use interior cameras that face the windows in question.
• Driveways. If a burglar approaches your home, they may walk down your driveway or attempt to enter through your garage door. Placing an exterior camera above the driveway can help you detect suspicious activity.
• Common areas. If a burglar enters your home, they may be inclined to search for valuables in specific areas, such as the living room and master bedroom. Use cameras to watch over these spaces.
• Stairways. Some homes have balconies or basements with staircases that lead to entry points, which burglars can use to get inside. Place a camera on the stairs to watch for any suspicious activity.

When considering where to install home security cameras, correct placement is critical.

• All cameras should be out of reach so they can’t be easily knocked down or destroyed.
• Place exterior cameras at a second-storey level—at least two and a half metres above the ground—and keep interior cameras near the ceiling.
• Make sure the cameras are installed securely as well. While some cameras can be attached to surfaces with adhesives, screwing them directly into a wall is more secure.

Finding the right angle to complement camera placement is equally as important as the placement itself. If you place your home security cameras directly above windows or doors and fail to angle them appropriately, you may only catch the top of a burglar’s head.

Instead, put them a foot or two next to a door or window with the camera angled down toward the entrance. Don’t be afraid to make your security cameras visible; it may help scare off potential prowlers.

If you have wireless cameras, check the Wi-Fi signal around your home. It’s important that your home security cameras have reliable access to a strong Wi-Fi signal to capture and relay footage. Without an internet connection, the camera could disconnect from your home security system. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the video footage may be choppy or distorted.