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CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
I've Installed Dozens of Security Cameras: Here's Where to Put Them
Buying a security camera for your home is only the first step: You also have to decide where to put it. That's not always an easy decision for outdoor or indoor cameras -- but the right position and angle can make a world of difference. So where do you put your mount? I and other CNET experts have tested a wide variety of cameras around our homes, from screw-in mounts and solar panel accompaniments to adhesive strips and shelf mounts. We've tried it all, and we know where these security cams work best. With locations like these, your cams will be free of obstructions and have excellent positioning to take advantage of their wide-angle lenses and other capabilities like AI detection. Where should you install a home security camera? 1. Exterior: Front door You might assume that intruders always sneak into side entrances, but statistics from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors show that 34% of burglars use the front door. It's also where package thieves are likely to strike. A camera at your main entrance keeps tabs on everybody going in and out of your home, from family members and babysitters to maintenance people, delivery people and more. Pro tip: Video doorbells are great picks for the front door. You can use them as the primary camera or in conjunction with another outdoor camera aimed at the yard or garage. Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space. CNET/Tyler Lacoma 2. Exterior: Back and side doors Doors that are out of sight allow visitors to enter undetected, whether they're invited or not. NACHI statistics show 22% of break-ins happen through the back door. To ensure full knowledge of everyone who enters and exits, add cameras to your secondary doors, especially if one of them is used as often or more often than your front door, or if one (like a basement door) seems particularly enticing or accessible to a potential intruder. 3. Exterior: Garage and driveway Garages are a common target of burglars because they're one of the weakest entry points. A camera pointed at your garage and/or driveway keeps a watchful eye on bikes, tools, grills, sports equipment, cars and everyone that handles them. If your garage is detached, the camera helps you stay connected. If the garage is attached, the extra layer of security monitors another possible entryway into your home. If there's a gate at the end of your driveway, you may want a camera there to spot anyone attempting to get in. 4. Exterior: Wide yard views Monitoring the yard will help you keep tabs on anyone scoping out your house. It's also handy for capturing the activities of kids, animals and trespassers. As with garages, look for cams that have a wide field of view to capture lots of action, at least 130 degrees and preferably more. If you have a yard entrance, like a fence gate or a shed doorway, make sure the camera can see it. Blink offers a cheap option for a smart floodlight cam. Blink 5. Interior: Common areas Placing cameras in gathering points like the kitchen or living room is a great way to see if the kids are doing what they're supposed to do, if the babysitter is attentive, what the pets are getting into, or to check on household help like cleaners and repairmen. Consider prioritizing any rooms that have large ground-floor windows — that way you can see if anyone tampers with them or uses one as a break-in point. If there's a key point of interest like a sofa, pet bed or living room play area, make sure the camera can see it. 6. Interior: Main stairway or hallway Place a camera in the main thoroughfares inside your home to make it difficult for someone to move about undetected. If someone breaks in through a bathroom, bedroom or another unmonitored area, they'll still be captured on camera if they move about the house. Indoor security cameras are useful, but finding ones with privacy shields are worthwhile to help minimize the risks of hackers gaining access to sensitive footage. Arlo Here's where you should never install a security camera Places that violate your neighbor's privacy. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Cameras are great for your safety, but you need to be mindful of the privacy of others in your neighborhood. In general, homeowners are allowed to have outdoor security cameras that cover a broad area, and it's usually OK to capture your neighbor's public-facing property in the background of your footage. Learn more with our full guide. Bedrooms and bathrooms. The urge to keep a watchful eye on kids or elderly folks in your household is understandable. However, some areas have a warranted expectation of privacy. Plus, if you use a monitoring service, you run the risk of a hacker tapping into a camera that has access to your private spaces. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives. Baby monitors are a smart choice for very young kids' rooms. Motion detectors and glass break sensors, as part of a connected home security system, can be added to doors and windows. Personal medical alert systems are strong choices for seniors. Tips for outdoor security cam placement Eufy's solar panel makes a great pairing with this open-range security cam. Eufy Once you decide which locations to monitor, you also need to plan your mounting decisions. These tips make easy work of this step: Install cameras 8 to 10 feet from the ground. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. Don't point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light. Protect the camera from the elements. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that's appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can. Avoid places too close to branches or bushes . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. . Plants grow over time and can block your security camera. Let cameras be visible. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent against theft, and that's one of the best uses of your security system. Tips for indoor security cam placement Eufy's pan/tilt cam is an example of an indoor camera that can see almost everywhere. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Corners are your friends. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Hanging an indoor camera in the corner of a room usually gives you the largest possible vantage point. Choose a shelf for versatility . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. . If you don't have to mount your cam, placing it on a shelf allows you to make adjustments later or even move it to another room. Windows can cause reflection issues. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Pointing a camera at the window might degrade its image quality. Many security cameras have infrared light technology, which aids in motion detection and enables the cameras to function in low light. IR light can reflect off windows and other glass objects and obscure your footage, especially in the dark. If your footage looks washed out or whited out, there is likely a reflection problem. Angle for indirect light. Again, direct light will wash out your footage. With indoor cameras, be mindful of lamps, light fixtures and bright windows. Avoid facing your camera directly toward these light sources. Do video doorbells have special installation rules? Yale's smart lock pairs with the Nest Doorbell. Yale Position video doorbells so they have a good view of your porch or entryway. These cameras are angled a bit differently than other security cameras, so follow the manual instructions carefully. Usually, they need to be placed around 4 feet up from the base of the front door. In tighter spaces, video doorbells should be angled outward to capture as much activity as possible. Fortunately, many video doorbells come with a special wedge just for this purpose. Otherwise, put it where people would naturally press a doorbell. Are there super-portable security cams? In some cases, you may want a security camera that you can move around all the time. That makes it easy to put down wherever the kids are playing, indoors or outside, or to focus on a problem spot where things keep going missing (avoid workplace refrigerators, please). In these cases, we recommend battery-powered indoor/outdoor cams that you can move anywhere and that are weather-resistant in case they're left out in the rain. One candidate is Ring's Stick-Up Cam Pro ($180), which has an excellent collection of watchful features. Another option is the Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam battery model ($176), which is often shown mounted but can also come with a tabletop mount. For more home security tips, check out how to prevent your home security cameras from being hacked and the best cheap home security systems you can buy.
Buzz Feed
05-05-2025
- Buzz Feed
Burglars Are Targeting This One Spot In Your Home, And Security Experts Are Saying This Is The Best Way To Protect Your Home
When you're packing for a beach trip, winding down with an episode of Grey's Anatomy or enjoying dinner with family, the last thing you probably want to think about is someone invading your home. And yet, it's a real-life scenario that is estimated to happen every 25.7 seconds, so it's worth some thought. At the same time, worrying too much about a home burglary probably isn't helpful, nor do you likely have the time for it. So, what steps 'should' you take? According to a couple of home security experts, a major focus is knowing where a person is most likely to break in, plus the psychology behind their actions. Ahead, they spill that information and how to protect your home. The No. 1 Spot In Your Home A Burglar Goes First — And Why Maybe it's surprising, maybe it's not: The first place a burglar thinks to break into your home is the front door. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, 34% of home burglaries happen this way. Essentially, the reason why boils down to one key point: It's easiest. 'As these doors are the most direct entry points into a home, they are easier to access, can be easier to forcibly enter and can even be left unlocked, allowing intruders to enter without deterrence,' said Rick Sheets, vice president of monitoring and compliance at Brinks Home. In fact, about 42% of people leave their doors and windows unlocked when they're at home, and in 28% of burglary cases, someone is home. That's not the only lock-related concern. 'Another healthy percentage leaves spare keys in obvious places, like under the front door mat,' added Rob Gabriele, the in-house home security and safety expert for Opting for the front door mat makes sense — which is a good thing and a not-so-good thing, as you can see here. Other Common Spots Burglars Go Inside A Home The front door isn't the only way burglars get in, and it doesn't cover where they go after. So, let's talk about other common spots. Through Windows Windows are the next avenue in which burglars break into a home. Particularly, Sheets warned about windows on the ground floor. Again, easier access. Where Valuables Are Stored Pretty obvious, but it's worth noting — especially since you can't help that you have certain valuables and where you put them, to some degree. For example, you 'should' be 'allowed' to have a TV in your downstairs bedroom and feel that it's safe, even if that's unfortunately not the case. 'Once a burglar has entered the home, they often target rooms that typically house valuables, such as primary bedrooms, media rooms, and home offices,' Sheets said. First-Floor Rooms Burglars are fairly quick; they typically spend less than 10 minutes in a home. That means their main focus is usually nearby spaces. 'It's rare for them to waste time on second-floor spaces,' Gabriele said. However, it's common for people to leave valuables on the first floor, he continued. People may leave purses and wallets by the front door, for example. Additionally, they often have electronics in their living rooms and medications in their bathrooms and kitchens. So, it may help to hide those items, place them in a safe or at least put them on the second floor, if possible. Home Security Tips To Remember Now that you know the areas to focus on, let's talk about what you can do in those areas (and around them) to reduce the chances of a burglary. Avoid Hiding Spare Keys As mentioned, burglars know people typically hide keys under mats or in flowerpots. By not putting a key there, you may reduce your risk. Instead, Sheets recommended finding an alternative solution, such as securing your spare key with a smart door lock. Remember, while finding the right key on your keyring might be a hassle, leaving your door unlocked can lead to some pretty unfortunate situations. Move Valuables Away From Windows Besides being exactly what burglars want, those valuables are close to a common entry point. 'Valuables left near first-floor windows make for tempting smash-and-grab targets,' Gabrielle said. Make it harder for the burglar to steal your things. Make Your Home Look Occupied And Lived In Burglars may be less likely to break into your home if they think someone is inside. So, even if you're not home, consider making it look like you are. 'Use smart home devices, such as lights and plugs, to simulate activity within your home,' Sheets said. 'This strategy is especially useful during extended absences, like vacations.' Believe it or not, this is important when it's light out, too. Most burglaries occur during the day — between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., to be exact — perhaps because burglars think people are at work. So however you make your home look occupied, don't forget to do it during daylight hours. Other ways to make your home look lived in include keeping your lawn mowed, trimming your hedges and bringing in your mail, Gabriele said. 'If you have to be away for any length of time, ask a relative, a friend or a neighbor to take care of these chores for you,' he continued. 'First and foremost, you want to give the impression that you're vigilant about your security.' Add Sensors And Security Systems On the note of security, door sensors, window sensors, glass-break sensors … these are all great home safety items Sheets mentioned. 'Homeowners will receive alerts for both forced entry through doors or windows, as well as glass breakage, ensuring comprehensive protection,' he explained. Often, security systems offer 24/7 monitoring, video surveillance and instant alerts, Sheets added, which deter burglars. Further, if they break in anyway, these systems will alert the authorities for you. So naturally, it makes sense that Gabriele said this is the 'very best way to protect yourself.' 'Beyond the actual protection entry sensors and cameras provide, they tell burglars in plain language that your home is secure,' he continued. 'Even a video doorbell is a bright red warning to anyone who might be thinking about breaking into your home.'
