How To Hide Security Cameras for Home Security

Safety conscious homeowners often use home security cameras. Today’s connected cameras allow you to pair cameras with your security monitoring service. To make the best use of your security monitoring, you want to hide your cameras to prevent thieves from avoiding or disabling them.  

First, consider how many security cameras you need. The number of cameras a home needs will differ based on your home’s size. If you have in-depth questions regarding the number of devices you need, consult with a security company for further guidance.

Hide your camera in plain sight

Sometimes you can disguise cameras within everyday objects. This approach may work indoors or outdoors.

You can also get creative and incorporate cameras within inexpensive decorative items. Be careful not to use an object that stands out as fake. Also, don’t hide a camera within something that looks like an object of value.

Inside, security cameras may be disguised as:

• Books

• Smoke alarms

• Toys and stuffed animals

• Small electronics gadgets

• Paperweights

• Light switch plate

• A mirrored tissue paper box or other shiny desk accessories

In the yard, disguise your security camera within:

• Fake rocks

• Birdhouses or bird feeders

• Lawn décor

Let your home security cameras blend within common objects

Choose subtle places to hide your camera without disguising it. For example, you can hide a small camera within the branches of a lush house plant. Bookshelves are also great places to hide a small camera.

A high, ceiling position is a great vantage point for your camera. Look for a subtle style that will blend in with your ceiling, windows, or molding. However, avoid placing your camera in a space that’s too high off the ground. This will make it difficult to capture clear images, which can defeat the camera’s purpose. You should also avoid installing a camera too close to the ground. This can make it easy for a burglar or vandal to reach up and tamper with your device. Most experts suggest installing a security camera 8 to 10 feet from the ground. The camera may not be invisible, but it shouldn’t stand out either.

Finally, pay attention to hiding or camouflaging any wires. A wireless camera may be easier to hide but depending on your system it may not be the best option. Since most systems rely on sensors, also make sure these are hidden.

What about using fake/decoy security cameras?

You may ask, why hide security cameras? Some people use dummy or decoy cameras to deter thieves from stealing their real ones. However, they often look fake and sometimes even cause legal issues. Real security cameras are not necessarily a deterrent, but a valuable tool for your security monitoring service and law enforcement.

A secure home, good lighting, and an alarm system are all effective deterrents. We encourage residents to place signs or stickers indicating a monitoring system on windows and other areas that thieves may notice.

Your camera system is only as valuable as your monitoring system. Hidden cameras on their own have limited value, but when paired with around-the-clock monitoring they are highly effective. Contact Brinks Home Security™ for a free quote for a monitored home security plan that meets your needs.

Krista Bruton is a DFW-based writer who covers smart home security and consumer protection.