Top Places to Install Cameras for Maximum Security

So you’re ready to install security cameras. You’ve got your tools in hand, and you’re ready to go. Now you have to determine the best place to mount those cameras. Should you try to creatively hide a security camera in plain sight outside your home, or add your security cameras indoors so burglars won’t notice? Maybe placing them out in the open will help ward off would-be intruders? Here’s what you need to know about camera placement and choosing wired versus wireless security cameras.

Where to install security cameras

Surveys conducted by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors indicate 81% of burglars enter through the first floor, 34% gain access at the front door, 23% come through a first-floor window, and 22% sneak in the back door. With those statistics in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top five locations for security camera installation and placement.

1. Protect your front door The main entrance of your home isn’t the only access point, but it is the most important. Consider installing a video doorbell, so you have a clear, 180-degree view of your front stoop 24/7. A video doorbell not only allows you to greet guests but also allows you to monitor suspicious bypassers and potential porch pirates, and confirm the identities of repairmen before you let them in. You can also answer your doorbell remotely when you’re at work or on vacation.

2. Monitor first-floor access points Since most intruders enter a home via first-floor access, you want to supervise every enticing entryway. Position indoor and outdoor security cameras to monitor first-floor windows, back doors, side doors, and basement entrances. If windows are next to the back door, you may be able to mount a security camera so it observes both spots. Make sure to cover any windows not facing the main street as burglars are more likely to enter where they won’t be easily observed.

3. Hide indoor security cameras in high-traffic areas Main areas, such as your kitchen, living room, and hallways, are important places to monitor because they receive the most foot traffic. Plus, if burglars access your home through a lesser-traveled area, like a bathroom, they’ll likely have to pass through the hallway or enter a living room to access valuables. Also consider placing cameras in any locations featuring large windows, such as a dining or sun porch.

4. Guard your garage Garages are typically one of the least-monitored areas of your home, making them low-hanging fruit for thieves since they contain valuables like bikes, tools, grills, and cars. Garages are also a great place for waiting intruders to hide out until you leave or go to bed. Place security cameras inside the garage to keep an eye on vehicles and valuables. You can even pair your garage’s security cameras with devices such as a wireless garage door tilt sensor and a wireless glass break detector for further monitoring.

5. Safeguard your yard Install and aim outdoor security cameras behind your house to minimize the chance of intruders accessing a shed or using large shrubs as cover. These cameras are also a great tool to keep tabs on kids or pets playing outside. Just keep your neighbors’ privacy in mind, and align your cameras so they only observe your property and not the neighbors’ back deck.

Security camera placement tips

• Mount cameras 8 to 10 feet high or in spots where no one can tamper with them.

• Avoid placing cameras in sensitive areas, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.

• Reduce blind spots by installing security cameras in corners to cover a larger area and overlap with other cameras.

• Position outdoor security cameras to avoid glare from the sun throughout the day.

• Consider low-light outdoor security cameras for dark corners, or pair your camera with a motion-sensor light.

• Invest in heavy-duty hardware or casing to protect outdoor security cameras from weather and tampering.

• Refrain from mounting cameras inside to record outside activity. Windows can degrade image quality or cause reflection issues. If you must have a security camera shooting out a window, position the lens as close to the glass as possible or backlight the outdoor area with motion-detecting lights.

Wired vs. wireless security cameras

When determining the type of security camera to install, you’ll need to consider the following: Wireless systems are easy to install but require battery maintenance, while wired systems are often more reliable but not as versatile for unusual installations. Here are other things to consider:

• Wired security cameras provide reliable videos and audio signals, a constant power source for cameras, and are less susceptible to hackers than wireless versions. However, because these systems are hard-wired, they’re more difficult to install and take with you if you move, and they quit during a power outage. They also may have lengthy wires to hide.

• Wireless security cameras feature a portable system you can install instantly and scale up or down as needed. Plus, unlike a wired system, intruders can’t disable the devices by simply cutting a wire. While you may be able to mount them without drilling holes in your walls, these systems require a wireless connection, so you must position them within adequate proximity of the router to obtain optimal footage, and they’ll require periodic charging.

Brinks Home™ offers a variety of indoor and outdoor security cameras as well as additional security devices, such as a SmartCode Wireless Keypad Leverlock and wireless door or window sensors, that pair well with security cameras. Visit our website for a list of more products to secure your home.

Allison Clark is a senior writer for Brinks Home. She enjoys educating others on the benefits of smart home security and using technology to simplify everyday life.