There are two main reasons why you need a security camera for your home. It can either be used to investigate incidents or as a deterrent to potential burglars. The video footages and photos collected from your surveillance cam will be used to review a previous accident or crime so you see why certain things happened. Meanwhile, its deterrent value anchors on the premise that people will likely be on their best behavior if they know they are being monitored.

If you’re thinking about installing a security cam, or several of them, you will need to place them in the right locations to effectively serve their purpose. Even the best and most HD cameras fail to capture if they are not pointed at strategic areas. It will be a waste of effort and investment when the right equipment are installed at the wrong places.

Whether you’re just about to install cameras in your home or already have a few in place, here are the 5 best places to position your cams.

1. Facing your yard with a full view

Backyards are a treasure trove of equipment, such as lawn machines, bikes, tools, and other nifty items burglars can steal and sell later. They can also serve as a way for burglars to enter your property without being detected, depending on where your house is located. It’s also the place where your kids and your pets are often allowed to play without supervision.

All that said, it certainly makes sense to have one of your security cams aiming at your yard. Not only will it act as a deterrent, it will also allow you to keep an eye on your things and your family, for their safety. Of course, make sure that your yard is also well lighted in the evenings, or you can get a security cam that has night vision.

2. Your front door

Placing your security camera above the front door is a must. This is because majority of home break-ins are started with this most popular point of entry. A camera placed in full view at this location is a warning sign to burglars or any stranger that they are being watched. If they do still have the guts to break in, footage from this view will help the authorities more clearly identify the intruder.
To make an even more powerful deterrent, you can install a camera with a motion detection feature that instantly turns toward the source of movement or heat the moment it is felt. Some high-tech devices can also stream the feed in real-time to your computer or smartphone so you can see package deliveries, household workers coming and going, and the kids coming home from school. This live feed allows you to act immediately and call the police if someone does attempt to get in.

3. The nursery

You will feel more confident and at peace that your little one is safe and sound with a security camera in his or her room. Even if you already have a baby monitor set up, it’s still helpful to have a clear visual of what’s happening. Some surveillance cameras have both features (audio and video), while some also have motion sensors and wireless notification capabilities that alert you instantly when someone is inside the baby’s room. It’s also a helpful tool in case your baby gets agile and slips out of the crib.

Another type of nursery surveillance camera is the “nanny cam,” which is often hidden discreetly in the room so parents can see what the caregiver is doing if they are not around. Do keep in mind, though, that certain states do not allow discreet video-taking. Better yet, just place the security camera in plain view to be safe.

4. The home office or common targets

If you keep valuables at home, it will be smart to have a security camera directed straight at where these things are kept. We’re talking about safes, filing cabinets, jewelry drawers, cash drawers, and any other spot that burglars may target. Make sure that the camera you get offers a wide capture. The goal is both to identify who’s doing it and to review the crime for investigative purposes. You can also position your cams higher than usual so you have a full view of the drawers and cabinets.

5. Other points of entry

Don’t forget to place security cameras over your back door, basement openings, garage doors and any other locations that burglars might exploit to enter your home. Remember that any door or window is a potential access point, so it’s best to be on the safe side and install on all these.

In addition to catching thieves, these cameras will also help if you have family member who constantly wanders off or young children who might get out undetected. For this purpose, it’s best to install a motion sensor camera. In fact, some of the fancier models can lock in on a moving person and follow them up to a maximum distance. This type of camera not only helps protect your home from stranger entry, but also helps you when your family makes an accidental exit.

Other Areas
These 5 are just the most important locations to install a camera but there are other spots at home, too, that should be covered. These include back or side alleys (if there is one), your driveway, the stairs going to the second floor of your home, your home office, and many more. You don’t need to bathe your house in security cameras inside out. The point is to place them in strategic locations so that you can identify strangers and spot potential dangers.

If you’re still unsure about where best to install your home security systems, talk to a professional so he or she can assess your house and point out the perfect areas where a camera can be placed, among other security equipment that may be necessary. These pros can also advise what types of cameras your home needs.