The Answer Isn’t As Simple As You Might Think
We live in a time where home security is everything. With the high number of break-ins that have been occurring all over the country while homeowners have been at work, vacation, or simply running a few errands, it is important to make sure the home is secure. Security cameras can help protect your home or business.
Some homeowners have experienced break-ins while at home and this can make for a very scary experience. Imagine being at home watching television or sleeping and then suddenly being met with a burglar. Nothing is ever the same after such an experience.
If a break-in occurs, a security system alarm can run them off before they get any further. Most of the time, the presence of the alarm serves as a deterrent for a burglar. They are looking for homes that don’t have home security systems. They are especially looking for the presence of home security cameras.
Benefits of Home Security Cameras
There are a number of benefits to home security cameras that you should be aware of. They are:
- They keep the bad guys away – Just the sight of an outdoor security camera will help keep the home from being a target. There is a good chance that a burglar will case a home before they rob it. If a camera is spotted, they will most likely have a change of heart, if you want to call it that.
- Evidence – Home security cameras record footage that can be used as evidence to help the police capture the burglar. The footage can also be used to recover the stolen items.
- Keep track of family – You can access your cameras remotely so that you can keep an eye on your kids or any elderly relatives that are in the home.
- Check in on Fido – If you have pets in the house, remotely accessing your cameras is a great way to see how your pets are doing. Dogs, especially, can get into some mischief. You can see exactly how your pet passes their time.
- Save money on homeowner’s insurance – When there are cameras present in and around the home, your insurance company will love it. It is possible to save 15% or 20% on your insurance rates just by taking this step to deter theft.
- Peace of mind – You get the peace of mind that you and your family will be safe and that you have a lesser chance of having to track down your belongings.
As you can see, there are many benefits to having home security cameras in and around your home.
The Legalities of Recording People
Of course, you have the right to record people who come onto your property. That right is further enhanced by the fact the video cameras are visible. This tells them that they are being recorded. If they don’t want to be on video, then they shouldn’t step foot on the property. In regards to audio, there are states that require dual consent before a person is recorded speaking. Fortunately, New York is not one of those states and that means that the presence of the camera is enough.
Of course, there are going to be legal issues if a camera is placed in the bathroom, but no person who wants to secure their home is going to ask the security company to do such a thing anyway. The cameras can be placed around the exterior doors of the home and in areas like the kids’ playroom, living room, and the area inside the outside doors so that if an intruder comes in, they can be taped coming into the home from the inside. Of course, SPS Fire & Security will advise you on what you can and can’t do and the best places to locate your home security cameras.
What Exactly Can Cameras See?
Hi-definition video is important because you want the clearest picture possible. You have probably seen video footage from convenience stores and banks on the news that is grainy. The higher quality the camera, the better the footage. Nonetheless, a camera can see who is coming in and out of the home, what they are holding in their hands, people who come to the door and knock, and even license plate numbers if the camera is pointed to the area where people park in front of the home. From a burglar’s face and what they take out of the home to the car they are driving and the license plate number can be recorded.
Turn to SPS Fire & Security for Protection
SPS Fire & Security integrates state-of-the-art technology into your home or business so that you are protected. We serve homes and businesses in the Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo areas of New York. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at 585-770-0348 for a free consultation.
