The use of neighborhood cameras in residential areas and gated communities is no longer considered unusual. As safety concerns for home and perimeter security increase, interest in neighborhood camera systems rises along with it.
Neighborhood cameras provide an actionable defense against criminal threats such as property theft, vandalism, home burglaries, and similar criminal behaviors. As security and surveillance technologies continue to increase, the number of applications neighborhood camera systems provide will also grow.
The successful use of neighborhood cameras, however, depends on a few different circumstances that begin with the initial installation process. People who choose to try and install neighborhood camera systems themselves can often find themselves committing major errors that leave their community unprotected when they need it most.
Professional security camera installers have the experience to understand what to look for and how to properly place neighborhood cameras so that they are actually capable of protecting the neighborhood they are meant to keep safe. If you or your HOA community are thinking about installing a neighborhood camera system, be sure to follow these tips to avoid making any common mistakes.
Tips For Installing Neighborhood Security Cameras
Determine the security flaws in the neighborhood.
Though this might seem obvious, it will be important to fully survey the entire area you plan to monitor with neighborhood camera system. One mistake people commonly make is only securing the high-traffic areas (like entrances to a gated community) while neglecting the distant, remote, or uncommon parts.
Experienced criminals will look for the easiest route that allows them to get in and out of the neighborhood without being detected by anyone. Be sure to survey the area both in the daytime and at night so that you can see where the low-light conditions are located.
Determine the best spots to install neighborhood cameras.
There are a large variety of different cameras designed for specific purposes and work best in ideal conditions. If you are looking to buy neighborhood cameras to cover large areas, you will need to find a place that is high enough to get the best vantage point possible.
You will also need to consider where it is best to install neighborhood cameras that are conspicuously placed and where you might benefit from having some hidden cameras. Though conspicuously placed cameras can deter amateur criminals, a seasoned criminal might try to avoid detection.
This is when hidden cameras can be used to your advantage if placed correctly. Try placing small, covert cameras where they can pick up enough details to be used by the authorities for identifying the criminal.
Make sure parking areas, parks, and pools have good coverage.
Places that people might leave valuables or hang out in during the day are at high risk for criminal activity. To fully protect the neighborhood from unsavory types, you’ll want to make sure anyone traveling to and from those areas knows they are being watched – especially at night.
This will also help residents of the community feel more secure when going to and from those areas throughout the day or night. This can also help to provide the authorities and insurance companies with the information they need in case an event occurs.
Recommended guidelines for indoor neighborhood cameras.
Indoor cameras or neighborhood cameras placed in general, covered areas should have a minimum resolution of 720p or higher. They should also have motion detection features and be capable of night vision recording up to 60 feet.
It is recommended to place all cameras around 10 feet off the ground to prevent tampering or vandalism. If you have a concern the cameras will be vandalized, we recommend investing in a vandal-proof dome camera.
Recommended guidelines for outdoor neighborhood cameras.
Outdoor neighborhood cameras that have little or no overhead protection should have a high weatherproof rating and a hood that protects the lens from any dripping water. These cameras should be motion activated, have at least a 720p or higher resolution, and provide clear footage in low light conditions for up to 100 feet or more.
It is important to install outdoor cameras on solid foundations that are well off the ground to prevent tampering and obtain a good vantage point. It is also recommended to install outdoor cameras away from windows, lights, glass, and anything else that can be easily broken.
Recommended guidelines for neighborhood security camera systems.
Determine whether you prefer to have a wired security camera system or a wireless security camera system. Then find out how the footage is recorded (locally and/or remotely) and if it has a backup battery in case it loses power or network connectivity.
If you are unsure about these questions, contact a professional security cameras installation business to receive a free security assessment. This will be the most helpful way to learn more about what is needed to achieve the level of safety and protection the neighborhood deserves.
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