Surveillance cameras, once associated with the security infrastructure of businesses, government buildings, parking garages, and other high-profile areas, have been popping up in many residential settings. These include both urban and suburban locations and in apartment buildings and single-family homes. Ease of installation and security monitoring services have made using home surveillance cameras and video systems more practical.

Here are some of the greatest advantages of installing a security camera in your home, and even your small business:

Deterrence of Criminal Activity

Real-world studies have found that security cameras and alarm systems affect a burglar’s decision on whether to move forward with their plan. In a 2013 UNC Charlotte study, half of convicted burglars said they would have left a home alone if it were under surveillance. But the effect of security cameras isn’t only on break-ins; they can reduce the theft of packages at the front door as well.

Surveillance cameras are effective when installed in individual homes, townhouses, bungalows, apartment buildings, and condominiums. But they can also protect schools and universities, stores, and shopping malls, as they’re effective at spotting vandals and shoplifters in the act.

Monitor Your Home from Anywhere

Many modern surveillance cameras can be monitored over the internet, even from a mobile device. This is useful when you’re away from home and want to keep tabs on your children or their babysitter. Smart doorbell cameras send alerts and video to your phone when the doorbell rings, so you can see who is at your front door and even communicate with them. You can also see whether packages were delivered, when your child returned home from school, or that they’re safe when you go out to dinner.

Gather Evidence

Security cameras are sophisticated devices in today’s world. They include clear images, video, and audio, so can provide just the evidence needed in a legal scenario. Whether in a legal setting or a dispute among employees or family members, the content of a video feed can help make the most appropriate decisions. Violence or harassment in the workplace and on college campuses can also be recorded so the facts of a case are apparent.

Reduced Insurance Costs

Installing a security camera and/or video surveillance system can reduce your insurance premiums. How much depends on the contract you signed with an insurance company. It helps to have a public record of installing such a system. Doing so protects insurers from fraudulent theft or robbery claims. For a business, whether office or home based, tax deductions can be made on a security system purchase.

Convenient Features

Today’s security camera systems are designed with features that enable you to get the most out of them. Some of these include:

• Wide-angle lenses
• Night vision
• Two-way talk functions
• Push notifications
• Motion detection/activation
• Package delivery alerts
• Integration with smart locks/lighting
• Mobile app monitoring/control
• Playback of video from any time period

21^st Century Home Surveillance Systems from Boyd & Associates

Boyd & Associates provides security cameras and other home automation systems for your protection. We can easily add cameras to your home security system, which record live HD video and deliver on-demand video clips to your smartphone. Alerts and notifications can be provided, while video can be monitored by our central station operators. We also provide outdoor and doorbell cameras as well as interior camera systems.

For information on these plus our alarm monitoring services, smart locks, and commercial access control systems, intrusion detection, and video surveillance, contact us today at 888-248-6617.