Setting up outdoor security cameras isn’t rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many people get it wrong. The difference between catching a thief and capturing footage of your mailbox? Placement. Whether you’re DIYing it or working with a top-rated private security firm in Las Vegas, knowing which spots actually matter will save you time and money. We’re talking about the areas where break-ins occur, where packages go missing, and where unusual incidents happen at 2 AM. Here’s where your cameras need to be.
Front Door
Look, most break-ins happen right here. Your front door isn’t just where guests knock, it’s also where thieves check if anyone’s home. A camera positioned at this spot serves two purposes: it deters anyone considering trespassing, and it records everyone who approaches. You’ll know who’s ringing your doorbell, which delivery service keeps yeeting packages at your door, and if that weird car has been circling the block. This camera pays for itself the first time you catch someone snooping around. Mount it high enough that it can’t be easily blocked, and ensure it remains visible. Visible cameras are more effective than hidden ones because criminals are more likely to be aware of them.
Backyard
Your backyard is where things get sketchy because it’s usually out of sight from the street. Stick a camera at the corner of your house, it’ll grab most of the yard in one shot. Got a patio? Camera above it. That way, you’re covered during cookouts, and you’ll see if anyone’s trying to sneak in through the back. Same deal with your gate. People often overlook gates, but they are, in fact, the literal entrance to your property. Pool owners need a camera facing the water, not just for security, but also for liability reasons. And if you’ve got a shed with tools, lawn equipment, or anything worth stealing? Yeah, camera on that. Backyards have too many hiding spots, so covering these bases keeps you from getting caught off guard.
Garage
Here’s what people don’t think about: garages usually connect directly to your house. Someone gets in there, they’re basically inside. Place a camera directly above the garage door to capture faces clearly. Corners of the garage also need coverage, you don’t want blind spots where someone can hide. Angle your cameras to catch both the driveway approach and the actual garage entrance. This helps you grab license plates in case of an emergency. Get cameras with night vision, as garages are often dark, and motion sensors that send alerts to your phone when motion is detected. Your garage is essentially a side door to your house that people often overlook and forget to protect.
Side Gates
Side gates are burglar magnets. They’re usually out of view from neighbors, and they lead straight to your backyard. Mount cameras high enough to see over the fence and cover the whole gate area. You want to catch someone’s face before they hop over, not just their shoes. Night vision isn’t optional here, most break-ins happen after dark. Make sure your cameras can handle the weather because they’ll be sitting outside through everything. The cameras should link to your main system so you get alerts immediately. Side gates are where security setups fall apart, so don’t skip this spot.
Driveway
Your driveway tells you who’s coming and going. Every car, every person walking by, every late-night visitor, it’s all recorded. This helps you spot cars that don’t belong and people casing the neighborhood. Mount the cameras where they can see the whole driveway without trees or posts blocking the view. Motion detection matters here because you don’t want to scroll through eight hours of nothing to find the one moment that matters. Night vision keeps things visible after sunset. Keep the cameras clean and check them regularly because a dirty lens is basically useless. Your driveway is the first line of defense.
Porch
Porch cameras are clutch for catching package thieves. They see everything happening at your door, deliveries, visitors, solicitors, whoever. The camera shows you who’s there before you open the door, and it records people trying to peek in your windows. Porch pirates are everywhere now, and a camera aimed at your doorstep is the easiest way to stop them. Get weatherproof models that won’t quit when it rains. A porch camera is probably the single best investment you can make for home security, as it covers the spot where most property crimes occur.
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