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.