Tips On Preventing Burglars From Tampering With Security Cameras
A security camera is a fantastic addition to any household or business. If you’re going away on vacation, or need to leave the house for long periods of time, security cameras are the key to crime prevention, and also a means to easily identifying perpetrators.
Unfortunately, however, as with most technology, they can be tampered with if they’re made easily accessible to the wrong kinds of people. Thankfully, we’ve listed seven quick tips to minimize the risk of your camera being manipulated by burglars.
1. Mount in High Places
Do you make sure you keep the candy and other desirable food items on the top shelf so the kids can’t get their sticky fingers on them? Similarly, if you’re going to purchase and install a security camera to protect your home or business, it’s a wise idea to mount it in a high place, and out of harm’s way.
If you don’t have a wireless security camera, it’s also your best bet against burglars cutting the wires. Once you’ve carefully mounted it up high, no burglar will be able to easily access it and tamper with it.
Unless of course, you’ve made your burglar’s life very easy by leaving a stool or ladder out for them to conveniently climb up. That’s why it’s essential that you pack up your ladder or any platform for reaching high places and store it far away (aka NOT in the tool shed) from would-be criminals.
2. Discreet Set Up
In addition to mounting your newly purchased security camera out of harm’s way, it’s also highly recommended that you set it up in a tactful manner. Before you go to all the trouble of setting it up in a permanent position, stop. And think.
First and foremost, you will need to think carefully about places on the interior and exterior of your home that will give your security camera absolute minimum visibility to burglars during a home invasion or theft. The trick is to make your video surveillance not very noticeable, if noticeable at all.
Try camouflaging it by painting the casing of the camera the same color as the walls. You could even strategically place things around the camera to disguise it without blocking its view. After all, if they can’t see it, they can’t tamper with it. Right?
3. Hidden Cameras
Better yet, you should consider investing in a hidden camera, otherwise known as a spy camera. We offer a range of hidden cameras, from nanny cams to more advanced home or business security. Hidden cameras can be more expensive, especially if they’re wireless, and depending on the item it is built into. Again, if they can’t locate them because they’re built into a smoke detector, clock, plant or children’s toy, they can’t remove them.
However, you will need to be cautious about your state’s laws regarding installing hidden cameras in public spaces. To be on the safe side, we suggest that you make sure to inform the people who live and work with you, that the camera is there, and that it’s only being disguised to prevent tampering, to avoid any future controversy.
4. Sensor and Alarm
Isn’t it great how technology has the capability to alert us whenever someone is too close to our precious cars? We’re sure many of you have gotten too close to a car before and were in for quite a startle. The sound of that loud alarm is enough to shake any thief in their boots. Wouldn’t it be great if our homes had this kind of intruder beware sensor and alarm too? Unfortunately, they don’t, until it’s too late and someone has already broken into your home.
That’s why it’s a smart idea to shop around for advanced security cameras that have a sensor that detects when a robber is too close, or attempting to tamper with the device, and eventually triggers an alarm. For instance, there are some cameras that know when a burglar has spray painted the lens, or messed with it in some way or another. An alarm is set off which in turn activates camera relays and even starts a voice alert function.
5. Back Up Camera
Another alternative or added level of security is to opt for overlapping coverage. So, what exactly does this mean? Basically, it’s a fancy way of saying that you should be confident that if 
one of your security cameras has been tampered with, it will still be seen and recorded by a back up camera.
By having more than one camera active at all times, not only will you be able to monitor multiple areas, but you will also be able to assist law enforcement officials with the footage from another one of your cameras if one of your cameras was tampered with during a break-in and entering. This will give you greater peace of mind for your home or business.
6. Power Sources and Encrypted Transmission
There’s always the unfortunate reality that burglars can, and often do, cut the wires. If your security camera isn’t wireless, we also recommend that you try and place it near the power source to prevent the need for lots of messy cables in the first instance. Why not do some research prior to buying your security camera?
Does it have an independent power source? Like batteries? Is it solar powered? In addition to consideration of power sources, you should also consider encrypted transmission of the data from the camera to the viewing source or security system so burglars can’t tamper with the image itself.
7. Mother Nature and Power Outages
Thieves aren’t the only things that can tamper with your security camera. Mother Nature and her often unpredictable weather, as well as unexpected power outages, can interfere with your security camera too. That’s why environmental protection and consideration of power sources are critically important. Will you be setting up your camera outside? If so, you’re going to want to look into suitable protection against rain, hail and snow. Do you have a sun shield? Heater? Blower? Waterproof ratings? If not, it’s time to step your family’s security up a notch.
Contact Us
Home Security Concepts is an ADT authorized dealer. Our customer service representatives are more than happy to help you purchase and install a security camera to prevent burglars from tampering with it. Ask about our tamperproof dome camera which can be mounted almost anywhere and will easily tilt, pan or zoom in any given direction.
All you need to do pick up the phone and contact one of our highly qualified CSR’s. We can be reached at (954) 713-9411 for Broward County and (305) 424-9219 for Miami-Dade County. Be proactive, NOT reactive, and act today.
