Are Security Cameras Really Keeping Your Home Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Buy
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With crime rates on the rise and peace of mind at a premium, it’s no wonder more and more Aussies—especially those of us in the over-60s club—are turning to technology to help protect our homes. Security cameras, once the stuff of banks and big businesses, are now popping up on suburban porches and apartment balconies across the country. But do these high-tech eyes really keep the baddies at bay, or are they just another gadget gathering dust?
Let’s take a closer look at what security cameras can (and can’t) do, the latest advancements, and what you should consider before investing in your own home surveillance system.
Why Are So Many Australians Installing Security Cameras?
Take Joel Bentley, for example. He decided to get ahead of the game and install four cameras outside his unit in Sunshine North, Melbourne. For Joel, it’s all about making his property less attractive to would-be thieves. ‘I feel that it’s the best approach to deterring would-be criminals from targeting my property and just to make it slightly less attractive,’ he says.
And Joel’s not alone. Security companies across Australia are reporting a surge in interest, with more people wanting to keep an eye on their homes, deliveries, and even the odd possum or two.
The Latest in Camera Technology: More Than Just a Watchful Eye
Gone are the days of grainy, black-and-white footage that’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Today’s cameras are smarter, clearer, and more connected than ever. Allistair Baines, who manages a CCTV company in Victoria, says the latest models offer full-colour images even in low light, thanks to advanced sensors. Some even use artificial intelligence to tell the difference between a person, a pet, or a passing car.
‘They can be hardwired into the building, cloud-connected, and can send instant alerts to your phone if they spot something unusual,’ explains Ausma Bernot, a lecturer in technology and crime at Griffith University. ‘It’s almost like having a security guard on duty 24/7.’
And let’s not forget the practical perks—Joel admits he’s just as interested in knowing when his food delivery arrives as he is in catching crooks!
Do Security Cameras Actually Deter Thieves?
Here’s where things get interesting. Rick Brown from the Australian Institute of Criminology says cameras are most effective at preventing certain types of crime—think car thefts in car parks, property crime, and dodgy dealings around drug markets. But when it comes to deterring break-ins at individual homes, the evidence is a bit mixed.
‘We do know that cameras don’t have a very strong and continued trend to help with security, especially when it comes to individual homes,’ says Ms Bernot. ‘But making your home look less appealing to thieves is always a good idea. Fences, dogs, and even fake cameras can help.’
What Do the Police Recommend?
The Queensland Police Service reminds us that cameras are just one piece of the puzzle. Their advice? Take a layered approach to home security:
What Should You Look for When Buying a Security Camera?
Before you rush out and buy the first camera you see on special, do your homework. Not all cameras are created equal, especially when it comes to night vision. Many crimes happen after dark, so make sure your camera can handle low-light conditions. And remember, the clearest footage is usually captured in daylight.
A Word of Warning: Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
While cameras can help you feel safer, they can also introduce new risks. Ms Bernot warns that many cameras—cheap and expensive alike—are vulnerable to hacking. If someone gains access, they could watch your live feed or even share it online. Yikes!
To protect yourself, consider setting up your cameras on a separate network from your other devices, and be careful about where you place them (maybe skip the bedroom or bathroom!). Always change default passwords and keep your camera’s software up to date.
The Bottom Line: Are Security Cameras Worth It?
Security cameras can be a useful tool in your home protection toolkit, but they’re not a magic bullet. They work best as part of a broader security strategy—think locks, lights, fences, and good old-fashioned neighbourhood watch.
And don’t forget, sometimes the best deterrent is simply making your home look like too much trouble for a thief. A barking dog, a nosy neighbour, or even a sign warning of cameras can go a long way.
Have you installed security cameras at your place? Did they give you peace of mind, or did you run into any unexpected issues? Maybe you’ve got a tip for keeping your home safe that’s worked for years. We’d love to hear your stories, advice, and questions in the comments below—let’s help each other stay safe and secure!
RELATED NEWS: Disturbing CCTV footage reveals hotel boss’s shocking actions–what happens next?
Let’s take a closer look at what security cameras can (and can’t) do, the latest advancements, and what you should consider before investing in your own home surveillance system.
Why Are So Many Australians Installing Security Cameras?
Take Joel Bentley, for example. He decided to get ahead of the game and install four cameras outside his unit in Sunshine North, Melbourne. For Joel, it’s all about making his property less attractive to would-be thieves. ‘I feel that it’s the best approach to deterring would-be criminals from targeting my property and just to make it slightly less attractive,’ he says.
And Joel’s not alone. Security companies across Australia are reporting a surge in interest, with more people wanting to keep an eye on their homes, deliveries, and even the odd possum or two.
Modern homes rely on closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) for security. Image Credit: Pexels/Jakub Zerdzicki
The Latest in Camera Technology: More Than Just a Watchful Eye
Gone are the days of grainy, black-and-white footage that’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Today’s cameras are smarter, clearer, and more connected than ever. Allistair Baines, who manages a CCTV company in Victoria, says the latest models offer full-colour images even in low light, thanks to advanced sensors. Some even use artificial intelligence to tell the difference between a person, a pet, or a passing car.
‘They can be hardwired into the building, cloud-connected, and can send instant alerts to your phone if they spot something unusual,’ explains Ausma Bernot, a lecturer in technology and crime at Griffith University. ‘It’s almost like having a security guard on duty 24/7.’
And let’s not forget the practical perks—Joel admits he’s just as interested in knowing when his food delivery arrives as he is in catching crooks!
Do Security Cameras Actually Deter Thieves?
Here’s where things get interesting. Rick Brown from the Australian Institute of Criminology says cameras are most effective at preventing certain types of crime—think car thefts in car parks, property crime, and dodgy dealings around drug markets. But when it comes to deterring break-ins at individual homes, the evidence is a bit mixed.
‘We do know that cameras don’t have a very strong and continued trend to help with security, especially when it comes to individual homes,’ says Ms Bernot. ‘But making your home look less appealing to thieves is always a good idea. Fences, dogs, and even fake cameras can help.’
What Do the Police Recommend?
The Queensland Police Service reminds us that cameras are just one piece of the puzzle. Their advice? Take a layered approach to home security:
- Make it easy for offenders to be seen (clear sightlines, good lighting)
- Make it hard for them to get in (secure doors and windows)
- Make it hard for them to get out with your stuff (alarms, internal barriers)
- Use cameras, alarms, and lights to monitor public and private areas
- Make it hard for them to benefit from your property (mark valuables, lock sheds)
- And most importantly, use the security features you already have!
What Should You Look for When Buying a Security Camera?
Before you rush out and buy the first camera you see on special, do your homework. Not all cameras are created equal, especially when it comes to night vision. Many crimes happen after dark, so make sure your camera can handle low-light conditions. And remember, the clearest footage is usually captured in daylight.
A Word of Warning: Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
While cameras can help you feel safer, they can also introduce new risks. Ms Bernot warns that many cameras—cheap and expensive alike—are vulnerable to hacking. If someone gains access, they could watch your live feed or even share it online. Yikes!
To protect yourself, consider setting up your cameras on a separate network from your other devices, and be careful about where you place them (maybe skip the bedroom or bathroom!). Always change default passwords and keep your camera’s software up to date.
The Bottom Line: Are Security Cameras Worth It?
Security cameras can be a useful tool in your home protection toolkit, but they’re not a magic bullet. They work best as part of a broader security strategy—think locks, lights, fences, and good old-fashioned neighbourhood watch.
And don’t forget, sometimes the best deterrent is simply making your home look like too much trouble for a thief. A barking dog, a nosy neighbour, or even a sign warning of cameras can go a long way.
RELATED NEWS: Disturbing CCTV footage reveals hotel boss’s shocking actions–what happens next?
