Ready to take on a security camera and secure your residence? One small issue you might face during its installation would be – should security cameras be visible or hidden? A simple question but the answer requires a little more thought than a simple ‘this or that’.
We’ve got just the right insights to help you make the right decision between keeping your camera hidden or visible. Let’s get to it.
Should Security Cameras Be Visible or Hidden?
Both visible and hidden security cameras have their benefits. A hidden security camera could survive longer, record and document criminal activities, and be used in courts. On the contrary, visible security cameras can be used to deter crime proactively and alarm law enforcement swiftly. It’s also useful when you wish to keep people and staff alert like in a daycare.
Keeping your security cameras visible sounds like an obvious choice, no? Let the criminals get up close, realize there’s a camera, and head back.
Thing is – this doesn’t work if the criminals themselves are hell-bent on breaking in.
Motivated criminals can break the visible camera and make way. Though this can still help alarm authorities, you’ve just lost your only source of evidence. If only it had been hidden, you’d have some documented evidence to make your way to the court.
However, hidden cameras aren’t great for proactive defense.
So, you’ll easily find support for both types of installations. In the end, it all comes down to what you think would be better to protect your residence.
A better way to assess which installation is best for you is to assess the security of your neighborhood. Take a look at crime statistics and review the footage for a day or two. A secure neighborhood calls for either installation, whereas, an insecure neighborhood might warrant a hidden camera paired with a fake visible camera or a different security gadget for reactive response.
Still not convinced? We’ve got arguments for both types of installations for you to decide which one you’d like to go for.
Benefits of a Visible Security Camera
Let’s jump straight into discussing the benefits of a visible security camera:
Deters Crime Proactively
One thing’s for sure – the presence of a security camera can make or break the situation for you during a crime. It’s instinctive to think the camera could possibly be monitored and so, the resident is likely secured. To avoid getting caught in the act, most criminals stop at this phase.
Not just break-ins, but vandals and criminals with other inferior motives generally avoid getting caught in the act. A visible camera deters crime proactively. Some security cameras only record when there’s activity nearby, which is great for visible cameras. You’re definitely sure there’s someone lurking around for the camera to have triggered and can take a decision early on.
Although visible security cameras are prone to vandalism and being disabled, not every model is. Modern security cameras come with vandal-proof metal bodies and thick lenses which makes it difficult to disable the cameras.
Benefits of a Hidden Security Camera
Now, let’s take a look at hidden security cameras and the benefits they might offer:
Helps Document Crimes
Visible cameras make sense for the outdoors. On the contrary, what happens if the break-in is successful and your residence is now targeted. You do need some form of security and the ability to capture this break-in as it happens so you may use it against the criminals.
Hidden security cameras are helpful in documenting crimes. A high resolution IP camera would capture the criminals in the act. This footage would be great if you were to reach out to LEA or other authorities for swift justice.
Alarms Authorities in Time
A visible camera is prone to being disabled. Whereas, a perfectly planted hidden camera can record the malicious activity live and be used to alarm the authorities in time. Though this isn’t proactive, the reactive action to alarm LEA could help catch the criminals during their activity.
Even if you fail to catch them in time, the documented evidence against them might help LEA catch them in the near future.
FAQs on Should Security Cameras Be Visible or Hidden
We’re nearing a conclusion. Before that, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing questions asked by the home security community on keeping security cameras visible or hidden.
Should I hide my security camera?
Hidden cameras can be great at documenting evidence as it happens. Although a hidden camera won’t be useful for proactive defense, it can help alert authorities and help keep the device hidden for as long as possible. The decision to choose a hidden or visible security camera depends on the area of residence, crime statistics, and threats.
Visible security cameras are prone to wreckage but can deter crime before it happens. A fair warning can be enough in some cases that the property is being actively monitored and action will be taken.
A combination of a hidden and visible security camera is perhaps the best option.
Where is the best place to put a security camera?
Some of the best places to put a security camera include:
– Entrance points (front and back doors)
– Windows facing less crowded areas or alleys
– Stairways
– Driveways
– Areas with valuable items
A security camera should be installed such that it covers the main exit points of your house. It can also be installed to monitor alleys or places which are less frequently used. This way, the camera would only function when there’s movement and the chances of it being something suspicious is higher.
Can neighbors’ security cameras overlook my property?
Your neighbors’ security cameras can overlook your property if their field of view covers your property. However, the security camera shouldn’t be pointing to a private region of your property. Such surveillance is strictly prohibited and can be reported.
Often, such security cameras can be helpful in reducing crime in the area. An overlooking security camera might improve the security posture of your residence as well. However, you’re free and rightful to report it if it violates your privacy or you feel threatened by its presence.
That’s it folks. To conclude weather security cameras should be visible or hidden – it’s entirely up to you. Both types of installations have their benefits and drawbacks. A visible security camera makes sense for the outdoors, whereas a hidden security camera can be valuable for indoor monitoring.
A combination of the two types of installations would help take benefits from both. Even if you don’t go ahead with both cameras, make sure to aid your camera with additional security gadgets to improve the overall security posture.
