Installing a professional-grade home surveillance system is now simpler than ever, thanks to compact, intelligent and affordable security cameras. However, the crucial step of choosing the perfect location for each device is where many homeowners go wrong. Picking the right spot is essential for maximising safety and ensuring your camera performs as intended.
Strategic Placement is Key to Home Security
While most modern security cameras come with guidance, the ideal position can vary significantly depending on the model's specifications. A location that works perfectly for one camera might be ineffective for another. It's vital to assess which areas of your property need monitoring and how many cameras you'll require to cover all potential entry points, such as the back door or ground-floor windows.
Alistair Charlton, reporting on Monday 1 December 2025, emphasised that a comprehensive approach is necessary. Simply monitoring the front door is insufficient if other access routes are left unprotected.
1. The Front Door: Your First Line of Defence
The front door is the prime location for your first security camera or video doorbell. This position offers a clear view of the front of your property and acts as a powerful visual deterrent. Most video doorbells are designed to replace your existing doorbell and include mounting plates for correct angling.
For optimal coverage, install the camera high up and to one side of the door. This ensures the footage captures not just the door itself, but also the approach and surrounding area. Mount it high enough to be out of reach, preventing theft or tampering, while still allowing for periodic battery charging.
2. Back Door and Side Entrances
Your second camera should secure the rear or side of your property. As with the front, install it high and at an angle to monitor the door and its vicinity. Be mindful of neighbours' privacy; avoid pointing it at their property and use in-app privacy zones to block parts of the view if needed.
A camera overlooking the back garden can monitor the rear door, garden, and side gate simultaneously. If its field of view is confined to your property, you can confidently enable features like night-time recording, spotlight activation, or alarms triggered by motion.
3. The Driveway: Deter Car Crime
Positioning a camera to cover your driveway helps deter car theft and suspicious loitering. Mount it high, but consider the limits of its motion detection and night vision—if placed too high, its effectiveness may diminish.
Cameras with integrated spotlights are excellent for this location, serving as both a theft deterrent and a useful light source. Again, configure detection zones to ignore public footpaths and neighbouring properties to avoid unnecessary alerts. Always check the Wi-Fi signal strength here, as distance from your router may require a booster for a reliable connection.
4. Ground-Floor Windows (Using Interior Cameras)
Often more affordable than outdoor models, interior cameras are plug-in devices ideal for monitoring through ground-floor windows. They provide an additional vantage point that might catch suspicious activity missed by external cameras.
Test this setup carefully to avoid false alarms caused by window reflections. These cameras are also perfect for keeping a watchful eye on specific high-value items indoors, such as safes, jewellery collections, or key storage.
5. Garages, Sheds and Outbuildings
Finally, don't neglect outbuildings. Outdoor-rated cameras can be securely mounted to a wall, post, or fence to protect sheds and garages. Ensure all covers and ports are sealed against the weather.
Models with spotlights are highly recommended here. You can schedule them to arm overnight, activating lights and recording upon detecting motion. Crucially, test the night vision: ensure the infrared LEDs aren't reflecting off nearby surfaces like window ledges or foliage, which can wash out the image.
By thoughtfully positioning cameras in these five key areas, you can create a robust security network that significantly enhances the safety of your home and deters potential intruders.
