- 34% of burglars enter through the front door — but 60% of break-ins use a second or third access point.
- Visible cameras deter roughly 60% of would-be intruders before they test a lock.
- Mounting cameras above 12 feet reduces facial-recognition accuracy in footage by up to 80%.
Why Most DIY Camera Systems Have Blind Spots
Most homeowners install a camera at the front door and consider the job done. Front door coverage is correct — 34% of burglars do use it — but side gates, back doors, and garages account for the remaining 60% of residential break-ins. A two-camera setup protecting only the front creates a documented blind spot that experienced offenders recognize on sight.
A camera a burglar can walk around is worse than no camera — it builds confidence in coverage you don't actually have.
The Six Zones Every System Needs to Cover
Front door (priority one), back door, driveway and garage entry, each first-floor side-yard access point, and one interior camera aimed at the main entry for post-breach recording. Miss two of these and the coverage map has exploitable gaps. The interior camera is the one homeowners skip most — it's also the only one that captures an intruder who defeats exterior cameras.
Step-by-Step Camera Placement Checklist
Height, Angle, and Lighting Rules
Cameras positioned in total darkness without IR supplementation capture low-quality footage even at correct heights. Place cameras where an existing porch light, motion-sensor flood, or eave light fills in the weak zone between 15–25 feet where most camera IR systems fall short. A 15-degree downward angle captures entry behavior more accurately than a horizontal aim and avoids sky glare during daytime recording.
Mount exterior cameras at 8–10 feet off the ground — high enough to prevent easy tampering, low enough to capture a clear face. Above 12 feet, night-vision footage captures shoulders and hats, which rarely holds up as usable evidence.
Recommended methods
Wired PoE Camera System
Best OverallPower-over-Ethernet cameras run on a single cable, eliminate battery management, and offer 24/7 continuous recording to a local NVR. Most reliable long-term but requires drilling and cable routing.
Wireless Battery Cameras
FastestMount anywhere without wiring in under 20 minutes per camera. Motion-activated only, so they record on events rather than continuously. Batteries last 3–6 months depending on traffic volume.
Solar-Assisted Wireless
Most ThoroughWireless cameras with a small solar panel attached eliminate battery swaps entirely in sunny climates. Best for garages, gates, and outbuildings where running wire isn't practical.
Frequently asked questions
How many security cameras does a typical home need?
Most single-family homes need 4–6 cameras for full coverage: front door, back door, driveway or garage, one side-yard entry, and one interior. Larger properties or homes with multiple outbuildings need more.
Do security cameras actually deter burglars?
Yes, if they are visible. Studies consistently find visible cameras deter 50–60% of opportunistic burglars. Covert cameras gather better evidence but provide no active deterrence.
Where should I not place security cameras?
Avoid pointing cameras at neighbors' yards, into windows where privacy is expected, or toward public rights-of-way. Recording in these areas creates civil liability in many jurisdictions.
Can I use indoor cameras outdoors?
No. Indoor cameras lack weatherproofing and UV protection. Use cameras rated IP65 or higher for any exterior placement — anything lower will fail within one rain season.
Should cameras be hidden or visible?
Visible cameras deter better. Hidden cameras capture better evidence. The practical choice for most homeowners is visible exterior cameras and one discreet interior unit near the main entry.
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