You can not have eyes everywhere to look out for vandals and robbers. But can cameras? Do home security cameras reduce crime?
Everyone wants to protect their property from being stolen or vandalized. There are many cameras spread throughout the country and the world.
However, crime is something that cannot be eliminated entirely. So, understand that reduction and prevention does not mean it will not happen to you and your home.
So what actions can you take to prevent burglars from targeting your home? Is an alarm enough? Or is a surveillance camera the right way to reduce crime?
Why it works
The main reason cameras work is because it alerts the criminal that there will be clear evidence against them. And that the home's owner can watch the live footage and contact the cops.
Therefore, criminals do not want to be seen and caught on tape. So security cameras reduce crime, not only for your house but for your neighborhood too!
Proof that security cameras reduce crime
The effectiveness of security camera's power to reduce crime can be proven in various ways. Plenty of studying and research have gone into crime and how cameras can make a difference.
Let's go through some of them.
The burglar's point of view
According to the "Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective" research done in 2012, cameras were proven effective!
It was found that "If the burglar noticed Surveillance Cameras ...50% of offenders said that they would discontinue the robbery".
Therefore, proving that in private residences, having a security camera reduces the robbery attempts by half.
That is a large percentage for your safety, and is a very inexpensive way to go about reducing crime.
Initial cost of security cameras
If you think about the initial cost of a camera, it is usually way less than what a robber can steal from your home. A camera is long-lasting and has many features that can warn you if any strange activity occurs.
Not only does this give you some peace of mind and reduce crime, but it also allows you to have live footage of what is happening in your home from anywhere in the world.
Now more than ever, many companies have come up with ways to not only use cameras though phones, or any devices but to automatize their house entirely.
From cameras to lights to thermostats. All of these can be controlled through your phone and it is available to the general public at quite affordable rates.
Does any camera work?
Well, yes and no. You must be careful with this, as not every camera will have the capacity to effectively identify a person.
And some cameras are quite low in resolution. This can make it harder for the authorities to identify a person and be able to identify them.
Other problems you might run into might be not being able to film at night due to a lack of infrared lights.
No backlight compensation can also be an issue. Which can lead to a bad detailed image. Therefore, not being able to see the burglar.
So, it's a great idea to use camera with the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) feature to compensate for the lights and coming from a back window or opened door.
In short, investing a bit more helps security cameras reduce crime and be able to identify burglars can pay off at the end of it all. It is better to go the more expensive track and have proof when you need it, than to take your chances!
Which cameras are reliable?
One very reliable camera is the Nest indoor IQ and Nest outdoor IQ, they are packed with features that can even identify when someone different is in the house.
But keep in mind that there are many other cameras that come from good and reliable brands. Nest is one I have previously talked about and reviewed.
It is connected to your phone and will notify you if anything strange is seen or heard. This can be a very helpful feature to invest in if you want to reduce crime chances in your house or neighborhood.
Additionally, you can also take a look at the difference of the Nest indoor/ outdoor vs Nest indoor IQ/ outdoor IQ and choose the one that is best for you!
You can also read the article "Types of security cameras" to learn more about the different options available in the market.
Just in case your are on a budget use the Wyze Cam , it's great product.
Reminder: Before purchase, make sure the camera will be perfect for you. Do your research too, as some might require paying for storage monthly.
Do fake security cameras reduce crime ?
Some people do not want to spend money on a reliable security cameras to reduce crime, however, they do want the benefits of it. So can you have the best of both worlds?
Buying a fake camera can actually inflict fear in the burglar and even make them give up on the robbery. But in some cases, there are burglars who will still go through with the robbery even when they spot a camera.
Meaning, that if you did get robbed you had no proof of anything happening. And the burglar might have stolen way more than the price of a security camera.
If you own a good quality camera that is equipped with good features, it can immediately contact you and the police if it identifies strange individuals or noises in the house.
So, no. Though it might frighten a couple of robbers, it does not mean it will keep you from being robbed. And can actually end up not helping the search for the burglar at all!
Indoor or outdoor installation
The truth is that it is up to you. However, you must keep some things in mind.
If you only have a camera outside your home, you might not catch a burglar as they might enter from a window or the back door.
Only having a camera inside your home can also bring up problems such as what if the burglar steals the car and does not cross through the living room where the camera is located?
The short answer is that if you can invest in both, and even multiple cameras, that can be very useful and can keep your home safer and reduce crime.
However, if you do not have the money, or want to try on a type of camera before buying another, then debate where it should go. Will it go indoor or outdoor?
The footage's power
Having footage of the happenings of your home, whether inside or outside, it can benefit you in various ways. Ways beyond kicking burglars to the curb.
Having cameras and footage saved can prove an alibi, help authorities identify the suspect, and keep you out of trouble.
And of course, the added bonus is getting to watch your partner or kids come home and wave at the camera. Or even solve the big mystery of who has been eating the cookies! 🍪
The bottom line
Cameras were made to increase security, therefore, security cameras reduce crime and keep you and your home safe and sound.
There are many models in the market today, with different designs, sizes, qualities, and features. Take a good look and deep research before committing to a brand and placing your trust and valuables into a camera!