Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in March 2018 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.
Burglaries are prevalent and costly crimes throughout the United States, with recent statistics from the FBI underscoring the vital need for effective deterrents to protect homes from these unwelcome intrusions.
According to the agency: Nationwide, there were more than 1.2 million burglaries in 2018—one every 25.7 seconds—with victims suffering an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses, or an average of $2,799 per offense.
Most burglars scope out the perimeter of their intended target to find the best entry point.
Outdoor security cameras are therefore practical, effective solutions to stopping intrusions before they happen, with continuous monitoring and real-time alerts to safeguard your loved ones and home.
Here are several tips on what you’ll need and how you can install outdoor security cameras to optimize your home surveillance:
Gather Necessary Equipment
Whether your camera was purchased separately or as part of a complete system, you’ll need specific mounting and connectivity tools, including:
- BNC or Category 5e Cables
- Mounting Kit
- Power Adapter/Receiver
- Video Amplifiers & Splitters—for More Than One Camera
- Screwdrivers & Drills
- Ladder
Place Cameras in Strategic Locations
Choosing the right location for your home security cameras is essential. Ideal spots include entry and exit points, areas with heavy traffic, and secluded areas, especially if surrounded by trees. Sometimes just the appearance of a camera will keep thieves at bay.
Point the cameras in the right direction and ensure the view is not blocked and away from direct sunlight. They should also be in a hidden place, but with a wide-viewing angle.
Outdoor weather and its related impact on the camera and accompanying security footage should also be addressed.
Consider the following locations:
- Above or Near Garage Doors
- Front & Back Porches & Doors
- Off-Street & First-Floor Windows
- Driveways
Conceal the Wires
When installing outdoor security cameras, you don't want the wires in places where they are easy to locate and cut.
When installing outdoor security cameras, you don't want the wires in places where they are easy to locate and cut. Not only does concealing these make cutting them difficult, but it also protects against any damage to your cameras.
Instead of running wires along the house, direct them from the based of the cameras within soffits and ceilings. You can also paint your wires to camouflage them, run them behind a baseboard, or through a plastic tube.
Alternatively, you can install wireless cameras.
Combine Cameras with Lighting
Unless your cameras have built-in, night-vision, they are pretty much useless in the dark. Outdoor lighting optimizes the functionality of your home security cameras, which improves on-premises safety.
For the best results, consider using motion detection lights, which will alert you of intruders.
An Alarm.com security partner can provide image sensor technology, combining motion sensors, image capture, and interactive services for real-time mobile alerts through an app.
Help Is Available
Outdoor surveillance cameras expand the scope of your home security system, providing a perceptive solution for on-premise security. If you’re considering this technology, it’s best to consult an experienced services provider, such as General Security, who can walk you through the aforementioned steps.
Request a free, contactless quote from us today.
General Security provides reliable, effective, and feature-rich security camera systems, giving consumers and business owners round-the-clock safety and peace of mind.
