I knew just where to install my very first home security camera when I bought it. But that is only because I had done a lot of research prior to purchasing. As it turns out, there are a few prime locations for both exterior and interior cameras. If the number of cameras in your system is limited, it is best to focus on these locations first.

Catching Criminals in the Act

The point of installing video surveillance cameras is to catch criminals in the act. Better yet, a criminal might see an exterior camera and decide it’s not worth taking a risk on your home. You win either way. For the purposes of this post, let us assume you have just one exterior camera. Where will you install it? What view do you want to have?

The best view is the front door. Research data shows that the front door is among the most preferred points of entry from burglars. In fact, some 34% will enter through the front door whenever possible. Approximately 22% will attempt to enter through a first-floor window as well.

Entering through the front door actually makes perfect sense if you think about it. Imagine a burglar dressed as a meter reader or some sort of contractor. He will not draw any attention to himself walking up to the front door. But what if he is seen walking around the back of the house? Suddenly, he draws suspicion to himself.

Mounted High but Visible

Ideally, an exterior video camera providing a clear view of the front door should be visible to the burglar. But it should be high enough to be safely out of reach. The logic here is simple enough.

A camera easily visible to a burglar acts as a deterrent. The burglar sees it and knows he is being watched. He also knows that video footage is being stored for later retrieval. And yet, a camera that isn’t safely out of reach can be disabled. So mount it high enough to be protected but still low enough to be seen.

Maintaining a clear view of the front door is your top priority if you have just one exterior security camera. But what if you have multiple cameras? Having more than one gives you opportunities to expand coverage.

Rear Door and Windows

Imagine investing in a Vivint Home Security system with four external cameras. Your first camera offers a view at the front door. Your back door is almost as inviting, especially if it’s a sliding glass door. Install a camera to give a view of that door.

As for the other two, where you install them depends on the layout of your house. If you have first floor windows on both sides of the house, use the remaining two cameras to provide views of each side. But if you have an attached garage on one side, skip the garage window and, instead, install the camera so you have a clear view of the garage door.

Don’t Worry About Hard-to-See Locations

There is the temptation to install video cameras to provide views of hard-to-see locations around your property. Don’t worry about those locations. The likelihood of a burglar lurking around in that portion of your property is pretty slim. Instead, put the cameras where they are most likely to try entry. That’s the front door and first-floor windows.

If you have an interior security camera, point it at the front door. It is the same thing. That is where a burglar is most likely to make entry, so it’s a priority for coverage.