How to Hide a Camera in Plain Sight
Hidden Security Cameras
When it comes to security cameras, you can choose whether you want them installed in visible locations or have them hidden within your building.
There are two different perspectives with this topic.
Keep them in plain sight to deter crimes from occurring. Thieves are less likely to target your home or business if they know cameras are recording.
You don’t want a thief to find them and disable them. Plus, you need to know what people are up to when they think no one else is watching.
Both methods have merit, and you may choose a combination of both for various reasons.
Surveillance Laws and Regulations
Before you install security cameras around your home or business, you should research any laws in your area that regulate surveillance. If you want to hide surveillance cameras within your home or private property, you are probably within your rights if you are recording video without audio. Recording conversations are subject to entirely different rules and generally require consent. Most states have restrictions to surveillance cameras in areas such as bathrooms, where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
If you want to hide surveillance cameras at a business or commercial property, you also need to check state laws. You are not allowed to hide cameras in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms, or locker rooms.
How to Hide a Security Camera
Hiding surveillance cameras inside your child’s stuffed animals is something that generally happens in movies, but is not always as effective in real life. If you are looking to disguise a camera in your home, you could try the following ideas.
- The foliage of a potted plant
- On a bookshelf
- In a box of tissues
- In an old appliance
- Up high in a corner or on the ceiling
- Smoke alarms
- Electrical outlets
- Shiny desk accessories
- Light switch plates
The size of your surveillance camera will make a difference as to where you can hide it. Nanny cams or smaller baby monitor-type cameras can be placed in more covert places if you are choosing to hide the cameras themselves.
If you are hiding a surveillance camera indoors, make sure the lens is not obstructed. Then, check that you have a close power source that allows for keeping the cords out of sight. Finally, ensure that the distance and field of vision on the camera is sufficient to get clear video footage. If you choose a wireless security camera, the location you select will need a stable internet signal. If you have a battery-powered camera, note approximately how long the battery will last and check it regularly to make sure it’s working.
- In a tree or shrub
- Under the eaves of your home
- In a birdhouse
- Up high on an exterior wall
- In an exterior lamp
If you setup a security camera outside, think about how you will protect it from the elements and how the camera will perform in various lighting conditions.
Bookshelf cameras, dome cameras, fisheye cameras, and bullet cameras are just a few options our team can offer for designing an effective surveillance system for your home or business. Call us today and let us provide you with a free consultation with one of our security experts.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Wired or Wireless? When we talk about wired versus wireless in-home security, it has little to do with whether a piece of equipment has physical wires attached to it. The terms wired and wireless refer to the communication signal that is transmitted from one piece of security equipment to another. For a security system to…
Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system. What is a fire alarm pull station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting…
How to Hide a Camera in Plain Sight
Hidden Security Cameras When it comes to security cameras, you can choose whether you want them installed in visible locations or have them hidden within your building. There are two different perspectives with this topic. Keep them in plain sight to deter crimes from occurring. Thieves are less likely to target your home or business if they…
What are the NFPA Standards for Commercial Fire Protection?
What is NFPA? The National Fire Protection Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1896. Working with more than 9,000 volunteer members, the NFPA works to create fair, balanced standards for the health and safety of the general public. The NFPA’s goal is to eliminate death, injury, and property loss caused by fire; therefore, they have developed more than 300 codes and standards for fire…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
5 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System
A home security system protects your home and the ones you love. While there are many reasons you may need to invest in a home security system, we have highlighted some key ones: 1. Peace of Mind Have you heard a noise in the night and ever wondered what made the noise? A home security…
What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?
Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it. What is A Smart Home? A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating, and…
Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?
Is it legal for you to break into your own house? Yes, you can get in trouble for breaking into your own house—at least temporarily. If the police are notified that there is a break-in at a residence, either by a neighbor or a security alarm, they can detain or arrest you until you can…
Security Camera Resolutions Explained
Different Security Camera Resolutions and Which is Right for You Welcome to the 2020s—it’s finally time to pull the trigger and get a home security camera. Now what? There are a baffling number of cameras and resolutions available on the consumer market, but the math behind figuring out what you want in a security camera…