After purchasing a video surveillance system, an installation technician is going to ask you where to place your video surveillance cameras. This is a question you should start thinking about before the technician arrives to do the installation. Common types of video surveillance cameras include outdoor and indoor cameras, built-in cameras, cameras for entryways, garages or warehouse entrances as well as other areas.

Outdoor video surveillance cameras

People are more likely to be dishonest if they think they are alone and unobserved. When you are putting video surveillance equipment outside, you should make some of them obvious. This obvious placement will act as a deterrent for would-be burglars, thieves, and vandals.

Hiding video surveillance equipment in inconspicuous places is also a good idea. Some criminals will take extra steps to avoid a video surveillance camera or may damage equipment to hide their identities. With a few hidden cameras, there is a better chance of recording activities and identifying suspects.

Indoor video surveillance cameras

How you use an indoor video surveillance camera depends upon what you need to secure. If you are trying to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away, a hidden camera is the best option. This indoor placement will allow you to capture footage and review it when that person is not in the house.

For retail establishments, a combination of hidden and obvious equipment may be the best choice. Obvious cameras are good for deterring thefts, while hidden cameras can capture shoplifters and employees doing dishonest things.

Built-in video surveillance cameras

When you are remodeling, consider adding equipment into the walls. Instead of trying to mount a video surveillance camera in an inconspicuous location, you can hide everything but the lens. With the proper decoration on the wall surrounding the lens opening, no one will be able to tell that the equipment is even there.

Video surveillance cameras for entryways, garages, or warehouse access doors as well as other areas

All entry points to your business need to have a video surveillance camera. This placement allows you to track who is entering and exiting the business, and at what times. Ideally, you should have a video surveillance camera on both the inside and the outside of the door, especially if it is a solid door.

If your office or business is attached to a warehouse or garage, make sure the door in between is monitored by a video surveillance camera. You may not want customers in the warehouse or warehouse employees in the office. The video surveillance camera can tell you who is coming and going through the door.

If your office has windows on a side of the building that is not easily seen from the street, you need surveillance on those windows. This video surveillance will allow you to see if someone is trying to access the premises from a hidden spot. You can add the security equipment inside or outside of the building.

You may also have ongoing issues with vandals spray painting your back wall, or someone burglarizing employee cars in the parking lot. If you have one area where problems keep occurring, you should place a video surveillance camera in that area.

Keep your business and home secure by adding video surveillance equipment in the right spots. Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.