Outdoor Amcrest Security Cameras: Where to Put Them?

Generally, a camera must be strategically placed in a position that gives it a clear, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor.  

However, if your aim is to prevent thieves from intruding into your home or office or to see their faces, check out some statistics from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. 

The InterNACHI found that around 8 out of 10 burglars enter through the first door, while more than 3 out of 10 enter through the front door.  Around 23% of thieves gain access through a window on the first floor, while another 22% enter through the back door.  Other points of entry are the garage (9%), basement and unlocked entrances (4% each), storage areas (2%), and any opening on the second floor (2%).  In the United States, about 4 burglaries occur every minute; that’s about one every 15 seconds.

If you have limited resources, installing outdoor Amcrest security cameras allows you to monitor your front door, first door, first floor windows and backdoor – as these are the points of entry that burglars are more likely to target. It’s also a great idea to place a security camera on your front door to be able to see who's knocking without having to open it.

According to Alina Bradfrod at CNET.com, outdoor cameras should be placed above the window or door frames and angled downwards, making sure the window or door area and the few feet surrounding it, are visible.  Ensure there are no blind spots where burglars can hide and stay out of the camera view as they make their way further inside the house. 

Also, check your camera's focus range.  There are cameras that have limited focus range of 45 degrees to 75 degrees.  These cameras should be trained specifically on the area you want to monitor, for instance, right at your front door.  Other cameras have a wider range and can monitor anywhere from 75 degrees to 180 degrees.  Place these cameras in areas where there are no obstructions and can keep watch over a larger area.  Better yet, get an outdoor security that rotates as it gives you the chance to view a larger coverage area.

Most importantly, keep your outdoor Amcrest security cameras out of reach.  That way an intruder would not be able to smash your camera.  A good height to place your cameras at is around 10 feet or higher, making it difficult for most people to reach and smash your camera.