It’s always a good idea to have CCTV for your home or business because it helps protect what matters most and gives you peace of mind. But it’s not just about buying cameras and sticking them on the wall. The spot you choose for each camera is just as important as the camera itself. If you put a camera in the wrong place, it’s like opening an umbrella indoors. It’s there, but it’s not doing what you need it to do.
This guide will help you cover doors, windows, yards, car parks and any quiet corners where trouble might hide. Put your CCTV cameras in the right spot, and you’ll be able to sleep better at night knowing your home and business are secure.
Prioritising Vulnerable Entry and Exit Points
If someone wants to break in, they’ll usually use a door or window. Start by placing your CCTV at these points. Don’t just cover the front door and the window facing the street. Back and side doors, as well as hidden windows, should be monitored too. These spots are often the first places someone will try if they think no one is watching.
For businesses, remember areas like loading docks, staff entrances, and delivery or storage zones. These places see a lot of foot traffic, and with people coming and going often, it’s easier for someone unwanted to get in without being noticed.
Place cameras high enough so they’re out of reach, but not so high that they can’t capture faces, clothing, or anything someone is carrying. Don’t forget gates and driveways, as you can be alerted early on before someone even reaches the building.
Maximising Field of View and Eliminating Blind Spots
Imagine reading a book but skipping every other chapter. You’d have no idea what was happening. The same goes for CCTV. If cameras leave big blind spots, you could miss important details or even fail to catch a burglar.
Think about how much each camera can see. Wide-angle cameras cover more space, but if they’re too far away, small details like a tattoo on someone’s arm may be missed. Narrow-view cameras show more detail but cover less area. Using both types in the right spots works best.
Corners are great for placing cameras because one camera can often see a whole room. For big open spaces like car parks or shop floors, you might need cameras pointing in different directions to make sure nothing is missed.
Don’t forget indoor blind spots. In shops, these might be behind tall shelves or displays. In offices, they could be in doorways. If a camera can’t see it, it’s a potential hiding spot.
Enhancing Effectiveness: Environmental Factors and Camera Type Considerations
Even the best camera won’t do much if it can’t see properly. Lighting can make a difference between being able to see a person entirely or just seeing a floating head. Too much direct sunlight can create glare, and if it’s too dark at night, your footage could end up looking like a 10-week baby scan, unless your camera has good night vision or infrared.
For cameras outside, the weather matters too. For example, in Darwin, rain and humidity are part of daily life. Your cameras need to be weatherproof and securely fitted. Otherwise, a strong gust of wind could dislodge it just as someone is about to break in and you’ll miss getting the evidence you need.
The type of camera also makes a difference. Dome cameras are small, often used inside, and tricky to spot. This makes them perfect for keeping an eye on things without drawing attention. Bullet cameras are easier to see and usually go outside to warn troublemakers off before they even try anything. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras can move and zoom to follow movement, but they work best if someone is watching them in real time.
And don’t forget one simple but very important thing: keep them clean. Dust, spider webs, or bird droppings can turn your crystal-clear picture into a big, blurry mess.
When placing cameras, think like a burglar. Where would they try to enter? Could they reach the camera to turn it off or tamper with it? Cover the likely entry points and any less obvious areas that could still be accessed.
Get it right, and your security system works day and night. You can focus on living or running your business without worrying about what’s happening when you’re not there.
From the front door to the back fence, Florance Electrical can set up CCTV cameras that watch over it all. Get in touch today and keep your security one step ahead.