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
What Are The Different Types of CCTV Cameras?
Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…
Holiday Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses
With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don’t often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones. Our security experts have come up…
Choosing a Safe Neighborhood in Chicago
There are a lot of great places to live in Chicago. From the historic vibe of Printers Row to the ultra-stylish River North, there are neighborhoods to fit every personality. But are they safe? It turns out, many of them are. According to Niche.com—which ranks neighborhoods based on crime, schools, cost of living, etc.—the short commuting times…
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…
The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Is Beeping
Do you hear a faint chirping noise coming from the back hallway or the basement? Don’t ignore it. It might be your smoke detector. Smoke detectors are designed to chirp or beep when they need servicing. Common Reasons for Smoke Alarm to Beep When the battery in your smoke alarm is starting to get weak,…
How to Deter Burglars From Your Business
Burglaries are often considered crimes of opportunity, leaving businesses struggling to recover in the aftermath. Although there is no all-powerful solution to protect your business, you can implement various preventative measures that bolster your security efforts. Here are 5 actions you can take to help deter burglars from casing and breaking into your business. 1….
What Does a Commercial Fire System Include?
Fire safety is critical for all businesses, but the components within commercial fire systems vary significantly between industries and functions. Fires can stem from common causes that affect any commercial property and sources unique to specific fields, so fire systems must address every threat using detection, prevention, protection, and suppression. With many options available for…
Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
How Fast Can Fire Spread?
What Is Fire? Fire is the result of a chemical reaction called oxidation. Oxidation is the combination of oxygen with another substance. In the case of a fire, the oxidation happens so quickly that light, heat, and sound are released. A fire needs oxygen, heat and fuel to burn. These factors are frequently referred to…
How Often Should You Check Your Smoke Detectors?
Fire Alarm Testing Whether your fire alarm is protecting your home or a commercial facility, regular testing of your fire alarm system is critical to ensure it is working correctly. This test guarantees that everyone occupying the home or office understands what to do when the fire alarm sounds, gives you a chance to check…