Where to put CCTV cameras
Security cameras are perhaps one of the most effective methods of preventing crime and keeping an eye on your assets. However, the placement of the cameras determines the coverage that you need for the event or activity in question. The tips on the security camera placement for home and business surveillance highlighted in this article are useful.
Front Door Your front door is one of the busiest access points into your home or your business premises. It is also prone to similar mishaps such as a break-in or a case of vandalism. Having a camera here can help monitor those coming in and out, or observe who they are that comes and goes. They directed it in such a way that most of the faces were captured when seen from the bottom. Ensure it is set at a level that anyone who wants to interfere with the results will find unrealistic to achieve.
Driveways and Parking Lots Driveways and parking lots are the first areas to monitor using outdoor cameras. For houses they enable one to monitor whether a car has arrived at the compound or a person is at the door. For businesses, you can record customers and monitor intrusions into the vehicles in the compound. Mount them strategically to provide an expansive view of the area above them.
The Back Doors and Side Gates Although not frequently used as the front doors, the back doors and side gates are also security threats. If they are easier to access burglars will try to use these as secondary points of entry into the premises. They are being monitored by cameras to avoid having criminals sneak into the compound. Stand them to one side, facing at about 30 degrees to the door area.
Cash Registers and Counters In retail stores and restaurants, cameras above cash registers serve two purposes. First, they record transactions in case there is a disagreement or prevent fraud by employees dealing with cash. Second, the view includes customers at the counter, which reduces risks of robberies through making the area insecure. For optimum coverage, position the registers where they are clearly visible under the cameras.
Stock and Inventory Areas Even areas of the store where stock, various products, tools, and other valuable items are stored require monitoring as well. Whether in a stockroom, a warehouse, a garage, or any other space, security cameras help to boost security. It should capture the whole area and anyone moving in or out of the area of interest.
Hallways and Corridors In homes, as well as business premises, the corridors and halls usually have low visibility. They can be used by criminals to move around without being noticed. Security cameras installed with a view of these areas reduce areas of vantage. Place them at doors, an catches anyone who is in transit from one room or area to the other.
Outdoor Perimeter Outdoor security cameras have an expansive 180-degree view that can be cost-effective in monitoring the entire perimeter of your premises. It is best placed on corners of buildings or some poles so that it has a wide angle view of yards, exterior walls, fences, etc. The key is eradicating any area where an intruder could possibly lurking undetected.
High-Value Items Are you in possession of valuable items, documents or any other portable commodities in your home or business? Think of a security camera specifically assigned with the task of observing them. For instance, focus a camera on a safe, server rack or valuable items on a shelf that are out for display. Although not as crucial as the perimeter monitoring, it seems to plug gaps in security.
Neighborhood Streets Community camera programs are usually adopted by homeowner associations and business districts. Security cameras installed at entry and exit points of the neighborhood record all cars passing by. Many towns and cities have installed public surveillance systems with some monitoring downtown areas, park, and recreation centers. This extends the concept of monitoring beyond the property level.
Interior Common Areas Concerning multi-occupied premises like apartments, the common areas should also have security cameras too. This includes lobbies, meeting rooms, gyms, laundry rooms and the likes. These are still used frequently by all occupants of the spaces. Overseeing them helps discourage and document their actions should concerns arise.
Blind Spots When installing cameras go around the property and take time to see the areas of the property which are not covered by the cameras such as blind spots, hiding places or any uncontrolled access points. Look for areas that are likely to have restricted visibility because of walls, shelves, equipment, and other structures. Move cameras around or install more of them to cover every angle to the extent that people have no choice but to be seen.
Privacy Concerns Although security cameras offer protection to people, also appreciate the rights of individuals to privacy. Do not trespass; focus on capturing footage from areas within your compound or with the consent of the neighbors. It will be wrong to install security cameras in private bedroom, bathroom or dressing room. And read the local laws – some states prohibit the use of home surveillance systems to capture scenes within other people’s homes.
Installation Height The mounting height of a camera depends with the field of view of the model or the area being captured. Generally, exterior cameras are most effective at eave height, at around 8 to 12 feet (2. 5 to 3. 5 m). For interior rooms, ceiling mounted at 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2. 5 meters) high are preferable as they capture most activity. Rise further in large warehouses and commercial structures up to 20 feet (6 m).
Number of Cameras What’s the required number of security cameras? This depends on the size of the building or property under surveillance and the manner in which it is designed. One camera should ideally be installed at each of the points of entry and exit, as well as near valuable assets or products. Large multi-roomed houses and business complexes demand more units rising from three to ten or more. In open areas, 1 camera can capture up to 45 degrees viewing angle.
Bear in mind that methods that employ batteries with wireless cameras give the freedom of adding more units at will. Initialize with a few select positions, then use the gaps that failed to be covered by the cameras to add further ones. Last of all, ensure that the plan you have is one that can be expanded in the future should there be changes in your requirements.
