Security Camera Mistakes To Avoid

The average cost of a burglary has been calculated by The Home Office and is approximately £1,400 of physical goods taken. But there is an emotional and productivity cost associated too which is even higher – in the region of £1,630. When you consider that a robust security system can prevent as many as 63% of burglaries, it’s something you want to ensure is properly installed. So if you’re considering installing CCTV cameras at your home to help protect it, there are a few things to consider and there are some key security camera mistakes to avoid.

We’ve put together this list of the most common ones that are made when installing outdoor security cameras so you can ensure you don’t fall foul of them and compromise your family’s safety. Take a look…

Security camera mistakes to avoid

1. Be realistic with your expectations

If you buy the cheapest and most basic camera, do not expect to be able to clearly see number plates or faces on your footage. You will not be able to zoom in or magnify the images to provide more clarity as this type of software you see in films doesn’t actually exist! In order to get the clearest image from your wireless outdoor security cameras, you will need to ensure you choose one with a high enough resolution in the first place.

2. Don’t forget about night vision

Many burglaries take place under the cover of darkness so you need to make sure your recordings can pick up activity in the dark. Many security cameras have built in infra-red which is invisible to the naked eye but will allow them to record images successfully at night. Just make sure the infra-red emission is not obstructed by anything or it will limit how it works – the IR will need to flood the whole area of vision.

3. Check your field of view

Cameras have a range of vision both horizontally and vertically and this is calculated in degrees. When you are putting yours in place, check to make sure your camera will film the areas it needs to capture – there is no use in it pointing straight ahead to catch what’s happening in the distance whilst missing getting the faces of intruders up close.

4. Consider wired and wireless connections

We are a world obsessed with being wire-free right now but it is not always the best solution when it comes to home security systems. The internet connection is often wireless but if you opt for cameras that are not mains powered, you have other considerations to take into account such as the frequency with which you will need to change the batteries. It is likely to be more often than you think. Use completely wireless ones only as additional cameras to extend the range of view when you really can’t get a mains power line to them.

5. Don’t scrimp on how many you install

If there are gaps in the areas which are recorded, it is highly likely that these will be the places where criminals target your home. They will learn where is covered and where isn’t so make sure you add as many cameras to the exterior of your property as you need in order to maximise your safety.

The right security system at your home can not only protect you from potential burglaries, it can also provide you with peace of mind whenever you are away. So if you’re installing one, just make sure you avoid these common mistakes!

Posted on 23rd Sep 2020 by Anesh Pillai