Every property owner wants their site to be safe and secure.  Most owners take basic precautions like installing fences, cameras and lights but there are things you can do to optimize the effectiveness of these assets.  You already spent the money to help secure your site so let’s make sure these preventative measures work their best.

Lighting

We all know that good lighting is essential to good security. Thieves don’t like to bask in the limelight and a good lighting system is a great start to help make your property more secure.  It is always a good idea to understand how your lighting can affect your security camera performance.  Glare into the camera lens can reduce the ability of the camera to see the property well.  When possible, place the cameras above the light source and use light shades to direct the light away from cameras.  This will ensure the camera has the best view of your site.

Also, make sure to look at your site like a thief would and light those areas that they would be interested in.  These include back doors, accessible windows and high value assets.

Fences

Fences are always helpful if your site and budget allow because creating a physical barrier around your site is one of the best things you can do. If you have a fence, make sure you maximize its ability to protect your site by not making critical mistakes.  Make sure it is far enough away from buildings or other objects like a motorhome so that a thief cannot hop from the fence onto your property.  Ensure that the fence does not block lighting or camera views.  This seems obvious but these systems are often designed in isolation resulting in interference between them.  If possible, a see-through fence like chain link if preferred so that thieves cannot sneak up behind it.  This helps your camera system do its joband catch what you can’t.

Cameras

All property owners have a limited budget to spend on security and camera systems tend to be expensive so here are a few things you can do to maximize the performance.  Sadly, many installers put cameras where they are easiest to install and not where they are most effective.  Take a look at the camera views and make sure they are looking in the right direction.  Do the cameras watch high value assets?  Are they watching potential entrance and exit points?  Sometimes just a simple re-aiming can do the trick.

Make sure your cameras are out of reach.  A camera that can be disabled easily is of little use.  Generally, they should be mounted at least ten feet above the ground when possible.  If this isn’t feasible, make sure the camera is armored to withstand potential abuse.

Finally, make sure that the lenses are clean and free of obstruction.  Spiders just love to build over cameras especially in the fall.  Often, a tree or shrub will grow up to block critical views over time so check for this periodically.  Be careful not to leave maintenance equipment or tools that could block views and ask subcontractors to be mindful of this.

Other Considerations

If you are using a remote security company like Blue Eye, there are a few additional things you can do to help make your system more effective.  For example: flags and balloons are a fun way to get attention but can interfere with your security system.  If you use these types of promotional items, put them away when you close for the evening.

Make sure your lighting stays on all night to provide the best views.  Check your settings if the lights are on a timer.  Seasonal changes and daylight savings can cause the lights to be off when the sun is down.

Also, be mindful of things like umbrellas and awnings that can move in the wind and block camera views.  The next time the wind is blowing, take some time to look for the potential of items to block the field of view and lock them down if possible.

Most people do not think much of security until it’s too late but by following a few of these suggestions, you will be able to get the most out of your existing systems.