Mobile Security Cameras are a great way to deter crime and monitor your property. They can also help keep employees accountable and are a great tool for business owners to identify operational inefficiencies.
Look for cameras with a high resolution and a wide field of view. Some cameras offer cloud recording, which saves footage to a remote server. Others use a hard drive that’s located in your home.
- Deter Crime
While it is impossible to stop all crime, the presence of security cameras can act as a deterrent against theft and vandalism. In addition, surveillance footage provides valuable evidence for law enforcement agencies, allowing them to quickly identify and locate perpetrators of non-violent crimes such as shoplifting or property damage.
For businesses, security cameras can help deter misconduct and keep a close eye on inventory and storage spaces where supplies or equipment could be stolen or tampered with. They also effectively monitor potentially hazardous areas, like bathrooms, so that employees and visitors are protected from hazards.
When shopping for a security camera, look for one with high-resolution images. You want to see faces, license plates, and other important details clearly, especially at night or in poor lighting conditions. Many modern cameras also offer features that simplify the organization of video footage, making it easier to find specific events and situations. In addition, consider choosing a hardwired system over a wireless option. A wired system is less susceptible to Wi-Fi congestion and signal degradation that can compromise security. In addition, many hardwired systems support more cameras than wireless models.
- Monitor Your Property
A visible security camera is a deterrent for burglars and other thieves who may avoid your home or business if they know you have cameras. It can also provide evidence if the camera picks up a crime taking place on your property.
If you want to view footage from a remote location, choose a wireless model that transmits data over Wi-Fi signals. Some models even use cellular networks for transmission in remote areas where Wi-Fi isn’t available or reliable.
Many cameras come with two-way audio, so you can talk to people or pets in your home. You can also choose a model that integrates with voice assistants so you can use your smartphone to control your cameras. Expert Tip: Choose a security camera with a high video resolution for clear images. You can also get a model with night vision to record footage in low light.
Some security systems include remote monitoring services that alert authorities on your behalf. These services can help you if your family or business is threatened or if someone has stolen packages from your front stoop while you’re out of town. You can also block the lens of a security camera to prevent it from recording something you don’t want on your video feed.
- Keep an Eye on Employees
Security cameras help businesses monitor internal theft, break-ins and other incidents that can compromise security and lead to lost revenue. They deter criminal activities by demonstrating that all activity within a business is subject to surveillance, and they can be used as evidence when reporting incidents or taking disciplinary action.
Cameras installed at entrances and exits can also be helpful in monitoring the flow of foot traffic to your business and ensuring that only authorized personnel enter restricted areas. This can help protect against unauthorized entry, boost employee productivity and increase customer service.
Disagreements happen in the workplace and sometimes they can be difficult to resolve. Whether it’s between different departments, managers, employees or customers, security cameras can provide an unbiased view of events to help clarify misunderstandings and settle disputes quickly and fairly.
Despite the many benefits of using surveillance cameras in the workplace, some employees may feel that they are being spied on. This is why it’s important to only use visible cameras and inform employees that they are under surveillance for legitimate business purposes. You should never place cameras in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms and personal changing rooms.
- Monitor Your Vehicles
Security cameras can be a useful tool to monitor your car when it’s parked. These devices can capture footage of any suspicious activity and send it to you via an app on your phone. Depending on the model, some can even trigger an alarm or notifications if they detect movement near your vehicle. They’re also great for preventing vandalism and theft, especially if they can record a car license plate.
The ability of a security camera to see inside a car is influenced by various factors, including its resolution and the presence of tinted windows. However, by following some best practices, you can maximize the cameras’ effectiveness for your vehicle surveillance. These include analyzing traffic patterns, elevating the camera for a broader view, and regularly adjusting to cover blind spots.
In addition, car security cameras can provide clear footage in the event of an accident or crash. They can help identify the culprits and make insurance claims much easier to process. They can also deter reckless driving and encourage drivers to follow proper road safety rules. This is why many insurance companies offer lower premiums to motorists who install in-vehicle car cameras. To learn more, check out our complete guide to Car Security Cameras.
- Monitor Your Pets
Whether you have kids or pets, you want to keep them safe and healthy. A security camera can help with both. It can catch entertaining videos of your pet getting into mischief, but it can also flag any problems like an increase in scratching or sleeping more than usual. Monitoring them in real time and watching their behavior can help you intervene quickly and reduce stress.
If you have a dog that chews the furniture, a security camera can help you get them to stop, even when you are at work or on vacation. Similarly, if you have a cat who tries to escape through the bedroom door, you can let them know that they need to stay in their crate instead by talking to them through two-way audio.
Some cameras have a specific pet mode that can be used to dispense treats and encourage positive behavior. Some also have a laser pointer to help with training. Look for a camera that is easy to set up and offers high-definition images. You’ll want one that can also withstand the elements and has built-in storage to avoid data loss. Some integrate with home security systems to provide a seamless experience for monitoring your pet and your home, making it easier to monitor everything from one user-friendly app.
- Monitor Your Home
If you have a nanny or babysitter working with your children, security cameras can give you peace of mind knowing you’re watching them. With many camera options available for home use, you can see what they are doing and monitor them remotely with a smartphone app or desktop computer.
For example, some cameras offer motion detection so you can watch for movement around the house while you’re away. You can also opt for a doorbell camera that sends an alert when someone is at your front door and provides two-way audio so you can talk to them and see who they are.
Cloud recording is another option, where the footage is saved offsite on a remote server that you can access via your internet connection. Some of these cameras are also able to connect to voice assistants like Alexa so you can use your voice to control the camera and receive notifications when activity is detected.
Other helpful features to consider include night vision for low-light conditions, person detection that distinguishes between people, animals, cars, and inanimate objects, and zooming capabilities. A video quality of at least 1080p is recommended, but higher resolutions can be expensive and may require more storage and wireless bandwidth.
- Monitor Your Business
While security cameras do not deter all crimes – particularly those committed by individuals who are determined to break the law – they can capture evidence to aid in prosecution. This makes them a vital tool for business owners who want to keep their property safe.
In addition to theft prevention, security cameras can also help boost employee productivity. Employees who are aware of surveillance are more likely to adhere to company policies and conduct themselves ethically. They can also help business owners and managers identify operational inefficiencies, enabling them to make improvements.
Depending on your needs, you may choose to invest in wired or wireless systems. Wired security cameras are physically connected to onsite video storage devices, such as network video recorders (NVRs) or digital video recorders (DVRs). These cables typically provide power and data connectivity. Wireless cameras eliminate the need for physical cables, sending recorded footage over a Wi-Fi connection to a cloud-based server or your mobile device.
For even more protection, look for a camera that features person detection technology. This technology uses motion sensors to distinguish between movement caused by people, cars and other objects. It then triggers the camera to record only when it detects movement. Some models like the ecobee SmartCamera have a panning function, which automatically follows moving objects and keeps them in focus, ensuring that you always have clear video of your property.