10 places smart homeowners install security cameras

Security cameras could be a good investment for your safety, but only if you place them in the right locations. Here are the spots where experts say you should install your cameras.

Many people overlook placing security cameras in the garage. James Both, an engineer that tests and reviews smart home security cameras for the website onehoursmarthome.com, says it’s a key place to have one. “Garages are often a target of burglaries because they are easily accessible and often get accidentally left open,” Both says. “On top of that, garages are full of items that burglars can quickly sell on the black market like bikes, tools and sporting equipment.” You might want to put a security camera pointing at your garage door as well as out outwards, too.

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Security experts agree that the most important places for homeowners to install security cameras is at the front door. “Your average criminal is looking for a crime of opportunity, an unlocked door, or swiping a package off your front porch,” Both says. “A security camera at your front door is a great way to deter criminals because it’s visible and can help you know when your packages have arrived.” Opting for a security camera or even a smart doorbell security camera allows you to see who’s there before answering the door, adding safety and security to your home.

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A door that leads to outside your house is a sitting duck. So you’ll want to install a security camera for as many doors as possible. Between the front door and the back doors, more than half of burglars enter the home through these areas.

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Another ideal spot for a security camera is facing your driveway, according to Andrea Harvey, a research and communications specialist for asecurelife.com. It’s not uncommon for people to steal cars right out of owners’ driveways. In fact, Knight says the driveway and nearby street are the areas most people forget to cover with security cameras. “Most criminals won’t park too far away,” Knight says. “Having a high-resolution camera that can reliably see your driveway and at least a little bit of the street in front of your house is a game-changer in many suspect identification attempts.” Catching a licence place in the video might be more helpful than an image of the burglar in a mask.

To the window, that’s where burglars go when they don’t see any security cameras covering that area. Harvey says this is why security cameras by windows should be a priority. It’s especially helpful since dark areas near side windows make it easier for burglars to break in.

People mistakenly assume that security cameras are only good for preventing or catching a burglary in the act. They are also ideal for protecting your loved ones, according to Harvey. “We suggest putting security cameras near areas of your home that could potentially be harmful to children or pets, such as pools,” Harvey says.

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Keeping cameras outside of the home only protect you one way. Will Greenwald, a reporter at PCMag.com covering home security products for a decade, points out that cameras can be nearly as capable when facing inward. A camera covering your entryway could be a great extra layer of protection. If your primary concern is people stealing packages, consider investing in a video doorbell instead, Greenwald says.

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Another spot inside the home to have a security camera is the staircase, according to Knight. This spot is good for a camera for two reasons. Many burglars are people like repairmen or service workers who have seen the inside of the home before, says Knight. Cameras by the staircase help you know who visits places in the house that they shouldn’t. As a bonus, cameras by the stairs are useful for personal safety, too. If you have an elderly relative or someone who might fall on the stairs, having a camera could help people remember what happened and potentially aid doctors, as well.

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If you keep valuables in a safe or have expensive jewellery in your house, it’s smart to install security cameras to keep an eye on them, Greenwald says. If someone does make it into your home and tries to go for your valuables, at least you’ll have a security camera specifically dedicated to that area.