Where to Put Security Cameras for Max Effectiveness

Security cameras are as fundamental to safeguarding your business as locking your doors at night is. Video surveillance deters potential criminals, allows you to respond in real-time, and provides invaluable evidence in the event of an incident.

However, simply having cameras isn’t enough; the placement of these tools is critical to their effectiveness. Poorly positioned cameras might miss essential areas, creating vulnerabilities in your defenses. Knowing where to put security cameras can make the difference between a secure facility and one still at risk.

Entrances and Exits

The first goal of installing security cameras is to monitor who enters and exits your building. The first and most obvious camera location is at all entrances and exits. This placement ensures that every person, whether an employee, customer, or visitor, is recorded entering and leaving the building.

For businesses with multiple access points, cover every door, not just the front entrance. Many intruders target less visible areas like side and back doors. If your building has a parking garage or underground entry, that too should be monitored with security cameras.

Pro Tip: Angle cameras in a way that captures clear facial images. Place them slightly above eye level to reduce the risk of tampering and to get a full view of individuals’ faces.

Reception Areas

Reception areas are most businesses’ first point of contact, making them a high-traffic area. By placing cameras in your reception area, you can monitor everyone entering your building and ensure the recording of this initial contact.

Since many reception areas also serve as waiting zones, they’re spaces where people might linger, allowing security cameras to capture more detailed footage. This footage can be useful in identifying suspicious behavior or providing evidence if an incident occurs.

High-Traffic and Common Areas

Hallways, lobbies, and corridors are other prime camera locations. These areas are often pathways to various parts of the business, including sensitive areas like offices, data centers, and storage rooms. By monitoring these locations, you can track movement through the building and identify unusual patterns, such as someone accessing restricted areas.

Consider covering common areas like break rooms, kitchens, and elevators. These spots can be gathering points for employees, and while they may seem harmless, it’s important to have coverage here for any workplace-related incidents that may occur.

Pro Tip: Make sure to place the camera high enough so that it can capture a broad area without being blocked by furniture, plants, or signage in the reception area.

Loading Docks and Delivery Bays

Loading docks and delivery bays are vulnerable points in many businesses. These areas are often busy with activity, making them easy targets for theft, vandalism, or unauthorized entry. By placing cameras in these areas, you can monitor the movement of goods in and out of your facility and identify potential threats from external sources.

It’s important to position cameras at both the entry and exit points of these areas. This ensures that you capture all activity, including vehicles coming and going, as well as anyone entering or exiting the premises.

Pro Tip: Consider using cameras with zoom functionality or wide-angle lenses in loading dock areas to ensure all corners and activity zones are adequately covered.

Parking Lots and Garages

Parking lots and garages are frequent targets for theft and common locations for accidents or altercations. By installing cameras in these areas, you can protect your employees and customers. In addition to monitoring for break-ins or vehicle damage, parking lot cameras can provide valuable evidence in case of disputes or accidents.

Be sure to install cameras that cover the entire area, including entrances, exits, and all rows of parking spaces. These cameras should be weatherproof and equipped with night vision for 24/7 surveillance.

Perimeter and Exterior Areas

Securing the perimeter of your building is just as important as monitoring the interior. Cameras positioned outside \your building can help deter would-be intruders before they even get close to your entrances. These cameras are particularly effective at deterring vandalism and break-ins.

Common exterior areas to monitor include building corners, alleys, dumpsters, fences, and any secluded spots that could become access points. Wide-angle cameras work well in exterior spaces as they can cover a larger area. Cameras placed at higher levels are less likely to be tampered with and provide a better overview.

Storage Rooms and Areas with High-Value Items

Any room or area containing high-value assets, sensitive data, or equipment should be monitored closely. For businesses that handle cash, this includes safes, cash registers, and other financial storage areas. Offices, server rooms, and data centers that contain sensitive information also require vigilant surveillance.

By placing cameras in these areas, you can protect against external threats and internal misconduct. In some industries, it’s important to place cameras in inventory rooms, particularly if you store expensive products or valuable supplies.

Pro-Vigil for Business Peace of Mind

Maximizing the effectiveness of your security camera system comes down to strategic placement. Pro-Vigil helps companies design airtight security with video surveillance. We design, deploy, and maintain these infrastructures to give you peace of mind.

Talk to us about your security concerns. We can help.

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