6 optimal locations to install security cameras for the family

Accordingly, mounting cameras in the wrong position can result in glare, limited visibility, or completely missing important areas, especially at night, when most intrusions occur.

Security experts recommend that, to optimize surveillance capabilities, cameras should be strategically placed to eliminate obstacles, take advantage of light, and observe the most vulnerable areas.

Below are 6 "golden" locations that you should consider when deploying a security camera system around your home.

1. Outside: The Front Door – the Place That Seems Safe but Is Actually the Most Dangerous

Many people think that thieves always try to break in from the back. However, according to statistics from the National Association of Home Inspectors (NACHI), 34% of break-ins occur through the front door, which is considered the strongest line of defense. This is also the "favorite" location for package thieves, especially in the era of e-commerce boom.

Security experts recommend installing a smart doorbell with a built-in camera in this location. This device not only records but also allows you to talk to delivery people or strangers remotely. For increased coverage, you can combine it with a secondary outdoor camera, facing the porch or garage.

2. Outdoors: Back and side doors – intruders’ “secondary entrances”

According to NACHI, up to 22% of burglaries occur through back doors, which are often overlooked but often left open and poorly locked. If you have a side door, basement door, or any other non-front entrance, consider it a weak spot that needs to be closely monitored.

Even if these doors aren't used often, they still need surveillance cameras, especially at night or when you're away for extended periods of time.

3. Outdoors: Garages and Entryways – Easily Overlooked Targets

From garden tools, bicycles, sports equipment to cars – garages often contain valuable but poorly protected assets. Especially if your garage is directly connected to your home, it can become a dangerous side door.

So, point your camera at your garage door, driveway, or gate at the end of your alley if you have one. Outdoor cameras today can work well in any lighting conditions, just choose one with a wide viewing angle and long range.

4. Outdoors: The Backyard – Where More Happens Than You Think

The backyard is not only a place for family activities but also an area that is vulnerable to bad guys if not securely fenced. Installing a camera here helps you monitor children playing, pets, or detect intruders at night.

In practice, choose a camera with a viewing angle of 130 degrees or more to cover the entire yard. Make sure the camera can observe fence gates, warehouse doors, or side entrances if there are any.

5. Inside the house: The living area – the heart of the home

The living room, kitchen, or common area is a high-traffic area. This is an ideal location to keep an eye on children, housekeepers, babysitters, or to check on pet activity while you are away.

In this location, install the camera so that it can clearly see the large windows on the ground floor, potential locations that thieves can take advantage of to break in. Also, don't forget to cover the indoor camera carefully to ensure privacy when not in use.

6. Indoors: Hallways and main staircases – the final protection net

If an intruder gets past the outdoor camera system, the main hallway and stairwell are the final stop. These are the routes of travel that must be taken to gain access to the rooms inside the house.

Therefore, in this location, install the camera in a high position, facing down from the main hallway, or from the stairs overlooking the ground floor. This helps you clearly record all movements in the house, even when other private areas are not monitored.

In short, investing in a security camera system is not only for surveillance, but also an effective deterrent against those who intend to break in. But for the system to be most effective, you need to arrange them in strategic locations, that is, combining both outside and inside, from vulnerable points to routes of movement in the house.