Hidden Security Camera vs. Plain Sight Camera
February 26, 2009 – 12:29 am
When it comes to home security, camera systems are becoming increasingly popular. You don’t have to spend a lot for DIY camera kits that let you install video surveillance inside or outside your home without the help of a professional. Today’s systems have an impressive array of capabilities too.
But today we won’t talk about the technical stuff; we’re just going to discuss the hidden vs. not hidden debate.
When to Place Your Security Camera in Plain Sight
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you may nod in satisfaction at the idea of catching a thief in the act. This is why many folks try to hide even their outdoor security cameras, obscuring them with shrubbery and the like.
The problem with this thinking is that even if you get footage of a thief… they’ve still got your stuff. You may or may not ever see any of that again, and who knows if the footage will actually be good enough to allow police to catch a thief and then convict him or her in a court of law.
In most casts, it’s better to display a security camera in plain sight. This is because a visible camera acts as a deterrent, telling would-be thieves that your home is under surveillance and there may be other security system components installed as well.
When a thief sees a security camera, he or she is likely to move onto the next house without ever bothering you or your belongings. This is a far better scenario than catching someone on tape, since by the time you or the police actually arrive, chances are the thief will be gone with a bunch of your stuff. It’s better to keep them from encroaching on your property in the first place.
When to Use a Hidden Security Camera
So, if we want thieves to be deterred by the sight of a camera, is there ever truly a case for a hidden security camera?
Sure.
The most practical use is to observe people you’ve hired to work for you in your home. For example, you may feel more comfortable leaving your kids with a new baby sitter, if you know you can secretly “check in” while you’re at work or out to dinner or what have you. A hidden security camera, or “nanny cam,” let’s you test the integrity of the individual in a way that a visible security camera doesn’t (while a visible camera can thwart undesirable behavior, it doesn’t really let you know if that person is honest or if the camera is just making them so… until an opportunity presents itself).
If a hidden camera or nanny cam is what you’re looking for, you can get something like this SVAT GX5204 Wireless pinhole hidden security camera
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Tags: nanny cam, security cameras
2 Responses to “Hidden Security Camera vs. Plain Sight Camera”
I agree 100%.
I see it too often when a home owner hides their security camera or other items. The criminal will still break into your house… it’s better if they don’t even come close to your house.
Having a visible camera or other security items (even if it’s just a fake security sign) will help to deter anyone from even trying to break into your house.
By Joel on Mar 13, 2009
Nice article. I would ask though if the cameras were in plain view wouldn’t the thief or thieves just go over and break the camera down?
I agree though in present times we need to be secure and it may be the by showing others that we are using security cameras.
It is always better to be safe then sorry. I would say go with a package for a home security solution and be prepared for anything.
By ADT Home Security Solutions on Mar 17, 2009