What's Better - Wi-Fi Camera, Smart Doorbell or Home CCTV?

Deciding to have security cameras installed is a smart choice because even former burglars admit it puts them off a target

But with a variety of options on the market, how do you know which is the best to keep your family safe?

This post will help you decide between some of the common security camera options available - home CCTV, smart doorbells and Wi-Fi cameras.

Wi-Fi security camera

Homeowners typically find this to be a great DIY option because they are cheap and easy to install. Most Wi-Fi security cameras do not require wiring and are typically battery-powered.

With a bit of fiddling, you could have your DIY system up in a matter of minutes... but...

The downsides are:

• these systems consume a lot of battery power. Batteries run down and require replacement. If the batteries run out while you are on holiday, your camera will fail, your security is compromised and your home is left vulnerable!!
• Wi-Fi devices that aren't set up by professionals and connected to a secure online cloud leave you vulnerable to hackers
• DIY systems seem like a cost effective choice until they break. Despite your best amateur DIY efforts you have to call in the professionals to fix it!

Smart doorbells

The camera integrated into the bell allows you to see whoever approaches the door. The Wi-Fi can be connected to a remote function to unlock the door and allow the person into your house.

The downsides are:

• The camera is limited. If someone is not directly in front of the door, you may not be able to see them. This is a single camera in a fixed position!
• It's all well and good checking who is at the front door to prevent distraction burglary but, without cameras protecting the entire perimeter of your home, you'll never know who is lurking in the dark. The back of your home is also vulnerable!
• Smart doorbells should also be set up by professionals and connected to a secure online cloud for the best protection from hackers

Home CCTV

In 2015, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Bernard Hogan Howe, recommended every home have CCTV.

Not only do these cameras record and help deter unwanted activity, but as he noted, "Over the last year as facial recognition software has got better, we can apply the software to the images of burglaries... and we can compare those images with the images we take when we arrest people."

Thus, if a crime is committed on your property, the chance of catching that person increases with your home CCTV footage.

Because these systems are installed by experts and hard-wired, there's no possibility of a hack occurring via Wi-Fi. Additionally, there's no guesswork regarding camera placement.

Professional installers have experience and knowledge about the best locations for cameras in order to get the most comprehensive coverage of your property.

The downside is:

• A professionally installed home CCTV system is the most expensive option which can be off-putting for homeowners on a budget

If you cut corners, there will be an issue later on. It's at times like this you need to remember the old adage... if you think a professional is expensive, try using an amateur!

Beat the burglars once and for all!!!

It's Blake's NSI Gold and SSAIB accreditations that allow us to pass our expertise on to homeowners, like you.

This free checklist addresses potential security weak points in the three most vulnerable areas of your property. Look at your home through a burglar's eyes... is it as safe as you thought?

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