Using Cameras to deter theft. As history has shown, as humans, become more innovative and as technology advances, safety is always a leading concern. When the car was invented, it led firstly to the invention of the seat belt, then afterwards the airbag. Computers led to the creation of the internet, which in turn birthed the anti virus and anti-spyware software we use today.  

Homes are another prime example of this evolution. Primitive homes were no more than structures that sheltered human beings from nature. Man lived in a cave, then in teepees, then in cottages of wood and huts of stone and straw. As we continued to progress we added doors and windows and then we added locks to those doors and windows. Still, we continued to improve and added alarm systems to our homes and we created gated communities all for the simple fact of keeping people we don’t want on our property away. The latest in home security has been the idea of using surveillance cameras in an effort to know who has been on our property, as well as to deter those who might wish to intrude with bad intentions. The question remains however, do surveillance systems really deter crime? 

The US Department of Justice reported 2,176,140 arrests for burglary in 2007. Another statistic showed that burglary accounted for 21.2 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2005 with an average dollar loss per burglary being $1,725. A study also showed that 12 percent of burglaries occurred through an UNLOCKED door and that in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized; the security system was not turned on. Another interesting statistic I found was that 81 percent of burglaries occur through the first floor and 34 percent of all burglars entered through the front door. Most crime experts agree that the best crime tool is one that prevents the crime in the first place rather than just trying to foil it as it is taking place. There are plenty of ways to send a clear signal to would-be intruders that the security of your home and family is a high priority to you, and that they would do well to try to choose a less challenging target elsewhere. 

Effectively, there are two levels of protection concerning home security. The first and most common line of defense is a system inside the house. Most in home systems, such as ADT and brinks, protect your home by responding to distress. The idea, as we mentioned above, is to stop the burglary from ever taking place to begin with. One of the key resources for doing this is surveillance systems. The key to making these systems beneficial is simple. First, be sure to place the cameras in places where they are clearly visible to observers. Secondly make sure that they cover any vulnerable areas of the home such as the major entry and exit points and windows in obscure areas. Another great functional use of cameras is monitoring the street areas in front of your home. Being able to see who is driving past your home gives you a significantly greater chance of tracking down burglars who might be scoping your home and neighborhood. The trick is to find the right security system for you.

 To find the security camera system that will give you the highest possible level of protection you should ask for help and advice from the trained personnel located in surveillance equipment stores in your area. Here these individuals will be able to advise you about the various features that can be expected from various security camera systems. They can also assist you in finding the security camera systems with the best value and performance for your price range.  Seeing the various security camera systems you can help narrow the selection down to the ones that you like and you can afford. Once you have found the right system, be sure and to ask about delivery and installation options. Finally, be sure and direct any questions you may have to the technician doing the installation. Doing all of these things will help insure that you do not become just another statistic!