How Effective Are Home Security Cameras in Deterring Crime?

These days, homeowners have plenty of options to consider when looking for ways to protect their property from potential intruders. Deadbolt locks, gated entries, alarm systems, motion-activated lights, security cameras—you name it. Any of these extra measures of protection is better than none at all.

In fact, one of the largest growing markets in smart home technology is surveillance. More families in St. Augustine, FL and beyond are investing in robust home security cameras to grant them peace of mind and to better secure what matters most.

But just how effective are home security cameras? Are they an investment worth making? Do decoy cameras offer a similar layer of protection? Read our answers to these questions and more below.

SEE ALSO: Which Types of Surveillance Cameras Are Best for Your Home?

Visible Cameras Keep Intruders at Bay

If you install a home security camera, your home is already 300 percent less likely to be broken into compared to homes without surveillance. If that’s not reason enough to invest in home security cameras, then keep reading for some more statistics.

According to the UNC Charlotte College of Criminal Justice, 60 percent of convicted burglars say they look for security cameras before moving forward, and 40 percent say that the presence of security cameras motivates them to retreat and seek an easier target.

The Electronic Security Association conducted a similar study and found even higher results: About 83 percent of burglars first determine whether a home has security cameras before they enter. If they notice any surveillance measures, then 60 percent say they avoid those homes and try elsewhere.

Quality Video Assists Authorities in Catching Criminals

If you don’t have outdoor security cameras in place, then indoor security cameras are still an excellent measure of protection—especially if they’re connected to your smartphone to alert you in real time when motion is detected.

Video monitoring is a safer solution than standalone video, enabling you to view live streaming of your home at any time, no matter where you are. Get an automatic clip of the action sent to your smartphone when an intruder enters your home, and even program your smart security system to send an automatic alert to the authorities.

Last year the London Metro Police said they were able to identify about 5,000 suspects thanks to quality video footage. High-definition surveillance cameras with advanced video analytics use proven AI technology to spot clear details of your intruders’ characteristics so that authorities can more easily catch the perpetrators and prevent them from invading other homes.

SEE MORE: What to Protect Your Home the Easy Way? Start with Cameras.

Decoy Security Cameras Don’t Cut It

Because a large number of burglars look for cameras before attempting a break-in, some homeowners may think that cheaper decoy cameras will have the same effect on their home’s protection as a real, robust surveillance system. Here’s the truth: Decoy cameras work—until they don’t.

Picture this: You’re speeding on the highway and notice a police car on the side of the road ahead. You immediately reduce speed in order to avoid a ticket. The next day, you notice the police car again in the same location. After driving past, you realize there’s no one posted inside the car. The car was placed there as a deterrent to keep drivers from speeding. Now that the secret is out, you return to speeding because you know there are no consequences.

The same story goes with decoy cameras. They may stop burglars for a while, but once burglars figure out your cameras are fake—or if they decide to take the risk and break in—there’s no way to prevent their crime. In fact, there’s no way to record their activity or hand over video footage to the authorities either. The damage is done.

Does your home need better protection? Learn more about the benefits of smart security cameras for your property today by contacting our team of home security experts at (904) 257-4295.