10 Places Smart Homeowners Install Security Cameras

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The garage

Many people overlook garage security and forget placing cameras in there. James Both, an engineer that tests and reviews smart home security cameras for the website onehoursmarthome.com, says that it’s a key place to have one. “Garages are often a target of burglaries because they are easily accessible and oftentimes 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. Putting a camera here is one of the 20 secrets a home security installer won’t tell you.

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The front door

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 like this one allows you to see who’s there before answering the door, adding safety and security to your home. If you’re on the market for a new system, check out these best-reviewed home security cameras.

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Any other doors that lead outside

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 entered a home through one of these in America, according to government statistics, says Jon Knight, the Chief Security Officer at Fortified Estate.

Try any of these DIY home security systems to secure your home.

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The driveway and nearby street

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 license place in the video might be more helpful than an image of the burglar in a mask. These clips are nothing compared to the 11 strangest things caught on home security cameras

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Off-street windows

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.

These are the 10 hiding spots burglars always look first.

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Pools

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 and gun safes,” Harvey says. Opt for a waterproof one like this model. Having more than your fair share of security cameras is one of the 10 secrets security guards won’t tell you.

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The entryway

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. It won’t hurt to add these 22 inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home, either.

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The staircase

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, per 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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The safe

If you keep valuables in a safe or have expensive jewelry 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. You don’t have to go overboard with big, clunky cameras either. A mini hidden spy camera like this one could do the trick.

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Anywhere there are blind spots

After you cover these spots with security cameras, the next step is to check for blind spots, according to Greenwald. “Check your camera’s field of view and make sure it covers everything you need,” he says. “Where a camera is pointing and how much it can see is just as important as where it’s physically placed.” Some people do such an excellent job installing security cameras that people don’t even know they exist. That’s what you probably don’t realize about these 8 places you didn’t know had hidden cameras.

Learn how you can install outdoor security cameras.

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