This is something I have been mulling for some time and now. Criminals realize that everybody is using this new generation of inexpensive cameras, and some are targeting the most obvious one: The doorbell camera. If they cover or destroy the doorbell cam, you are blind to what is going on outside and information is something nice to have when it comes to the defense of home. If you get distracted/absent minded and have not realized that the camera was disabled but just think something happened, (Wifi down, momentary loss of power or adapter failure) you may step outside to check and either walk into an ambush or allow critters come in.
So, I have been trying to figure out where I am going to install a camera that covers the front and is out of the reach/sight of a bad guy while providing a “back-up” visual of the entrance. Something I learned in my time doing security surveillance is that people don’t look up and that should be part of your strategy. Find a high angle that provides a clear field of vision while “using” the doorbell camera as “sacrificial” target of the bad guys.
Amazon prime days are here, I am getting a couple of the cameras for the price of one which is not a bad deal at all.
If your gut says not to break perimeter, you simply don’t and the gut will go DEFCON one if a normal-working camera suddenly goes dark. But it is also a good idea to know what’s going on, especially if somebody is about to break the perimeter so you can “welcome” him or them appropriately. Get a backup camera.
Two is one and one is none.
Get them coming and going by having cameras watching cameras is always best. Wi-Fi outdoor cameras everywhere is my approach. The more you pay, the better the experience. A Kangal dog gives me the nose-up when anything comes within twenty feet of the house—creating a very small air leak in the door seals, 1/4″ holes, enables my boy to know when a living thing is outside. And he spends most of his indoor time in the entrance areas of the home with his nose to the air-leak locations. Thieves are usually very quiet, but a Kangal has the best hearing of any breed and I am sure the air-leaks aid in this factor to.
Not just bad guys but cops too. Plenty of examples of them unplugging, covering, or pointing visible cameras away. Look at decorative bric-a-brac or stained glass decor. If someone were to look that way probably not look further than the front.
Even saw one smart guy use one of those fake wasp nests that you use to deter queens when they’re looking for a new area to nest as a hiding spot. Nother one had a dandy little bird nest set up till he got tired of trying to shoo away birds and gave that to them.
That was one of the first things I thought as well. I’ve seen enough videos/reports of cops destroying/covering security cameras when they’re up to no good. A well concealed secondary camera would be a good insurance policy.
Now, I imagine that under NV the hideaway camera could give up its location and get a yeeting from Officer Notso Friendly but it is better than nothing.