Each year, about 2.5 million home intrusions are reported. Only about 13% of these are solved, due mostly to a lack of significant physical evidence or available witnesses. Keeping our possessions safe could be made easier with some type of video surveillance systems. Even simple home security systems is enough to deter burglars, as stated by 85% of surveyed police officers.
Installing an entire system within and outside a home can seem a monumental task. With today’s video surveillance systems, the whole process can be as simple or as intensive as the homeowner would like. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
When Buying a Home Security System, Remember to Think Past Today.
The biggest mistake homeowners make when purchasing video surveillance systems is only thinking of the current moment. It is easy to forget that a security camera system is an investment, and it must be able to meet one’s needs today as well as in the future.
Remember to Get Night Vision.
The most common time frame for burglaries is from 10:00am to 3:00pm, but that doesn’t mean that burglaries are not also happening at night. If most home intrusion cases are unsolved due to insufficient evidence, don’t purchase a camera that is only good for roughly half of a 24 hour period. For example, a home with cameras that do not have night vision capability would provide zero reliable evidence for any problems that occurred at night. Why pay money for a service that will likely fail you?
Who Is Watching the Cameras?
This step requires reading the fine print in the home security pamphlet. With today’s technology, some home systems are connected through apps on the home owner’s smart phone. This enables them to check on the security of their home from anywhere. The problems arise when the home owner switches phones, and the security system app is incompatible with the new phone. Or perhaps the app only allows for one user to be connected, which shuts out the rest of the household from participating in the home security measures.
Can the Security System Adapt Over Time?
There is a good chance that your needs will change over time. It is a good idea to invest in a surveillance system that grows with you. What if your family moves into a new, larger home that needs more cameras? The ability of the system to allow changes is important. It is also important that the company behind the system is transparent about their billing process. Many systems have a low installation fee, but a high monthly fee that homeowners are locked into for a period of months and years.
Video surveillance systems are thought to be a great way to help protect a property. If properly installed with the right features, security cameras can capture enough evidence to help in burglary cases. But there are pitfalls to avoid before deciding on the right system, so remember to do your research and choose carefully.