This is a question often heard by homeowners looking at the cost of a full-blown surveillance system – which is hefty to say the least. Purchasing the devices is just the start, as you might want to hire a professional handyman to install it, while home security companies or hardware manufacturers also charge a monthly fee for extra features such as cloud streaming or facial recognition.
On the other hand, cameras are advertised as the pinnacle of home defense solutions. They are great criminal deterrents and even if a break-in does still happen, cameras will provide the most realistic insight into the situation. Not to mention that having a professional surveillance system installed in your home will grant a discount on certain insurance packages and the devices can be used for monitoring the kids or the cleaning lady during the day.
Yet the question still stands: ‘Are security cameras worth the investment?’ The answer actually lies in the type of property that you intend to protect.
Small Homes
If you are living in a small house or apartment, opting for a full-scale surveillance network is a bit of an overcompensation and so it’s more prudent to purchase a single recorder instead. Companies such as Reolink or Blink offer state-of-the-art HD cameras that require no installation and can be set up anywhere. It’s also a winning idea to substitute outdoor cameras with a doorbell or peephole camera, while placing a motion detector on the driveway.
Speaking of sensors, smaller homes can be efficiently guarded by a few well-placed alarms that are backed up by smartphone app. Protecting the windows or glass balcony door with a glass-break sensor will serve you well, just like installing a motion sensor in the corner of the hallway. Those who still long for an affordable indoor camera have two options should either buy a hidden camera that disguises itself as a smoke detector or perhaps a book, or turn their trusty smartphone into a motion-activated recorder.
Large Homes
Being the owner of a business or a large, multi-story building makes the presence of professional surveillance units both inside and outside a must-have. Displaying not one but multiple cameras is a surefire way to scare away would-be criminals, but even if thieves do decide to break in then with these installed you can also follow and record their activity via live streaming. This video evidence will also come in handy if you wish to make an insurance claim.
When dealing with a whole network of CCTV units, keeping an eye on the camera feed can be rather daunting, but the operators of a home security company will happily land a hand, even calling the police if necessary. This option is especially important if you wish to protect your vacation home. The other alternative is to purchase cameras that use motion-sensing technology so that they can double as alarms and pair them with a smartphone app to review security notifications.
The areas that the surveillance units should definitely cover are the main entrance, the back yard, the driveway, and rooms that contain your precious valuables. It’s generally recommended to aim the outdoor cameras in such a way that their field of views form a complete circle, while placing indoor cameras up high so that they cover everything. In the end, the key to making the most out of your money is to use the cameras efficiently.
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