10 Common CCTV Installation Mistakes That Could Make Burglars Go Uncaught

Your CCTV cameras can help deter intruders and provide peace of mind. But when wrongly installed, burglars can exploit the CCTV installation mistakes, compromising your peace of mind. 

CCTV installation mistakes can also put your home in a vulnerable state to intruders. These mistakes can give you a false sense of security, making it easier for burglars to get away with their misdeeds.

However, if you know these mistakes, it will be easier to avoid them. Avoiding them helps you improve the effectiveness of the CCTV system. In this article, we’ll show you 10 common CCTV installation mistakes that can make your camera ineffective. 

Let’s dive in!

How Can Burglars Exploit Your CCTV Installation Mistakes?

Before we begin, let’s show you various tactics burglars can use to exploit your CCTV installation mistakes. These vulnerabilities can sabotage the efficiency of your CCTV system. It also reduces your chances of catching the intruder. We’ve made a list for you here:

• If you have fewer cameras, burglars can identify blind spots and use them.
• If they locate your camera cables or their power source, they can cut them.
• They can wear masks or hoodies to conceal their identity from your cameras.
• Some burglars can use infrared or other electronic devices to jam or tamper with your cameras.
• If you use an inferior camera system, burglars can hack your network or DVR. They can also delete or tamper with your footage.
• If they know the location of your cameras, they can plan their entry and exit effectively. Don’t show it all to them. 

How to Avoid Common CCTV Installation Mistakes  

You would be throwing a red carpet at burglars with the wrong CCTV Camera installations. We’ve laid out some of them for you. 

Case in point:

1. Not conducting a security assessment

Possible security threats are factors to consider before camera installation. 

This includes identifying the entry and exit points, the blind spots, the lighting conditions, and the potential threats. This will help position the camera when sniffing out unauthorized movement around your property.

2. Using inferior or incompatible cameras

Manufacturers don’t build all CCTV cameras equally. After conducting security assessment, ensure you use the right camera and the right equipment. You need to select cameras that are suitable for you. Don’t use inferior or outdated cameras unless poor image quality isn’t a problem for you. Unfortunately, it is. So avoid it.

3. Installing cameras at the wrong height or angle 

The height and angle of your cameras can affect their coverage and effectiveness. 

For instance, your cameras shouldn’t be too high to avoid poor video coverage. Or too low. It shouldn’t be within reach. Also, don’t install your cameras at the wrong angle. This may keep it busy with only irrelevant images.

4. Not securing the cameras properly 

Your camera is a sensitive device and should be firmly placed out of the burglar’s reach. You should also protect your cables and power source from the elements and rodents. This won’t just ensure longevity, but will further prevent burglars from cutting it. A single cut will render the camera useless.  

5. Not using enough cameras 

Bigger homes require more cameras. Installing enough cameras for proper coverage is necessary. For proper video coverage, you need to use enough cameras to shield all angles of your property. With a few cameras, burglars can avoid them or use blind spots to their advantage.

6. Using the wrong type of cameras 

Manufacturers build camera systems for different purposes. Wrong camera choice will produce wrong results. Burglars can take these wrongs to their advantage. Here are some camera choices for you alongside their applications: 

• Internal and external dome cameras are suitable for your indoor/outdoor surveillance.
• Bullet cameras are appropriate for your outdoor surveillance. 
• PTZ cameras are good for dynamic tracking. 
• C-mount cameras can cover distances beyond 40. They are good for a wide range of coverage.

7. Insufficient lighting 

Your CCTV cameras need sufficient lighting to capture clear images and videos. You need to ensure that the areas you want to monitor have adequate lighting. 

As a better option, you can use CCTV cameras with night vision. They have special features that enable them to capture images better at night. With this camera, there’s no need to get external lighting.

8. Ignoring your camera updates

Just like your smartphone and computer, your camera needs to be updated when necessary. Updates can make your camera better and safer by improving its features, safety, and usability. 

Also, updates can help deter hackers from tampering with your camera system. Automatic updates are usually turned on by default. But it’s wise to check now and then to ensure you’re protected.

9. Configuring the cameras wrongly

After installation, make sure you do a test run to ensure that they record and save the footage perfectly. This includes the resolution setting, frame rate, motion detection, sufficient camera memory, and every other parameter. 

10. Not getting professional help 

Hiring a professional CCTV camera service is a wise choice for your security. They know the best camera tailored for your environment. And the right way to install it with zero error. You also need to check your cameras regularly to know when they need maintenance. If you’re having issues configuring your camera or they need prompt maintenance, contact a professional.

Get Professional Help

CCTV installation mistakes can be quite frustrating and make you look like a joker if your home gets burgled. It will be wise to get professional help when you want to purchase or install a CCTV system.

If you live in Phoenix, Alcatraz Locksmith is the best choice for home security near you. Our qualified staff knows just the best security camera that will fit your business. We also provide routine maintenance to your camera system. We pride ourselves on exceeding the expectations of our clients at pocket-friendly rates. We have customer agents who are ready to answer any security questions you might have. Your home security is our concern. Let’s help you protect your home. Contact us now!