Installing security cameras around your home is a great way to ensure your family's safety. You can never have enough security these days. Some people install cameras that just face the driveway or the street so they can see who is coming because they don't know the best places to install cameras around the home. Here are the best places to install them so you can get the most out of your added security.

Front Door

When people put up security cameras, they tend to skip the front door and only try to think of places where someone might be trying to sneak around unnoticed. Burglars don't want to spend time trying to find a place to break in if they don't have to, so they're going to check your front door first to see if it's unlocked. In fact, About 33% of burglars use the front door.  Even if they break in somewhere else, you might catch them on the camera trying your door.

Back Door

If the burglar can't get into the front door, the back door might be the next try. If the front of your home is well-lit or you have a lot of close neighbors, the burglars might go straight to the back, especially if your backyard is easy to get to. Make sure you have a camera on the back door so you can catch them when it happens.

Basement Stairs

If you have a basement with stairs that go down to it from the outside, you need to have cameras on it. An outside entrance that leads to a room you're not likely to be in is an open invitation to someone who is trying to break into your home. If the area doesn't have any lighting, it would be in your best interest to invest in a camera with night vision so you can see the face of the burglar.

Windows

Windows, especially on the first floor, are a huge target for burglars. Cameras should be installed on as many windows as possible. Most people aren't going to install cameras on every window of their home, which means they need to be installed on the ones the burglars are most likely to try and climb through. Stand in front of your home and take a good look. If you were breaking in, which window would you choose first? Most people wouldn't climb through a large front window that is facing the street. They'd choose a back window or a side window depending on where they lead to. Think about what looks the most secluded.

Security Camera Tips

Before you install your security cameras, follow these expert tips for your install.

• Peephole cameras are also great for extra security. When you manually look through a peephole, it can be difficult to make out faces; however, a peephole camera that inserts into the peephole can more clearly make out faces because it is attached to a digital screen. When people knock, you can just look at the screen and see who is on your porch.
• When you install cameras outside, make sure they are weatherproof for outdoor use. People who are doing it for the first time often overlook that detail. They assume security cameras mean outdoor use, and that could be dangerous when it starts to rain.
• Just like previously mentioned, night vision cameras should be installed in areas that aren't well-lit. While the basement stairs are an important place for night vision, this also includes windows and the back door. If you have motion lights to light the area, the night vision might not be entirely necessary; however, if you can afford the extra cost, you should purchase them anyway in case a light goes out.

Security cameras are important for keeping your home safe. Even if you don't catch the burglar until later, you can stop them from breaking into someone else's house or potentially coming back to your home again. Follow these tips to make sure your home is as secure as possible. For more information, check out a company like Arapahoe County Security Center Inc.