How Can Cameras Enhance Your Security at Home?

I read part of a discussion about how some companies are using free cameras as a loss leader product to open doors for residential alarm system installations. Not a bad ploy from a business perspective, but for a while I had trouble accepting that this really bolstered the security of the home. But, I strive for honesty, and many times, when I confer with potential clients, I admit that the deterrent value of a security sign in the front yard is a substantial part of the overall system. Most burglars will say that they avoided homes with alarm systems.
I was reminded of something I heard when I worked in the commercial and retail side of the security house..."cameras keep honest people honest." The trouble is that companies that use cameras as a foot-in-the-door fail in many cases to maximize the effectiveness of surveillance equipment. It is a novelty; a toy to impress the neighbors and a testimonial to the level of concern that particular company has toward security. (I despise a "hit and run" alarm salesman.) However, cameras can enhance home security when properly deployed. Here are some tips if you want to consider CCTV...

The first trick is that they should be conspicuous. This will take full advantage of the deterrent factor. Of course this works best on a person who is normally well behaved, but who might be tempted to mischief if a tantalizing opportunity presented itself and the risk of being caught was low. A determined thief might risk it anyway, which leads to The next tip.

Cameras are relatively cheap, especially when it is only connected to a viewing device. A burglar might gamble on there being no video recording machine because he knows the recorder is the single most expensive component in a CCTV system...they don't give those away with an alarm system. They also might gamble that they will be able to make off with the recording unit, thereby taking the evidence with him. The suggestion is that the video recorder be well secured and out of plain sight.

When putting the record in a safe location, remember that from time to time, you will want to review recorded footage. To make this simpler, it is convenient to have a viewing monitor close to the recorder. Some recorders come with remotes that can also solve this issue.

You should note that any VCR or Digital Video Recorder can record your camera footage. Pictures of intruders can assist the authorities in identifying a culprit, but not all video is valuable for prosecutorial purposes as evidence. Criteria for evidentiary video include, but may not be limited to time and date stamps embedded in the video. Security DVRs can be costly depending on hard drive space, available channels for camera connections, search and review software. My suggestion is to purchase a substantial unit even though it may cost more. You'll want to avoid having to make that significant investment twice.

As for cameras, pay attention to variables such as operating temperature, iris ratings which determine how much dynamic range (how much light is required for a quality picture), and understand the field of view required. Take some measurements of the areas you want to survey and your camera salesperson can identify a good lens for your application. Unless you have plenty of money to invest, you'll be looking at fixed lens cameras. Pan, tilt and zoom cameras are ultra-cool and have some appropriate applications, but they are expensive.

If you have the chance, you are better off having a professional security person, preferably someone with experience in a residential setting, design the layout and equipment with you.

I invite you to send me questions directly if you'd like more detailed information.