Look, I’m gonna be straight with you. Most home security systems are set up wrong. I know because I’ve been breaking into… wait, that came out wrong. Let me start over.
I’ve been researching home security for years now, and here’s what kills me – people spend thousands on fancy gadgets but miss the basics. Just last month I was talking to the team at Labs Smart Wiring who install security systems across Brisbane, and they told me something that blew my mind. About 80% of break-ins happen because of simple stuff homeowners overlook. Not because they don’t have cameras. But because the cameras are in the wrong spots.
Think about it. You’ve got this expensive 4K camera pointed at your front door. Great. But what about that side window hidden by the bushes? Or the back gate that nobody ever locks properly? Criminals aren’t stupid. They case joints (yes i watch too many crime shows) and they look for the easy way in.
Here’s what most people get wrong:
Camera placement is everything. You need overlapping coverage. No blind spots. And for the love of all that’s holy, mount them high enough so some teenager cant just reach up and yank them down. I’ve seen it happen.
Lighting matters more than pixels. You can have the best camera in the world but if its dark, you’re getting nothing useful. Motion sensor lights aren’t just for scaring possums – they actually work. Criminals hate being lit up like a Christmas tree.
Your alarm system needs to actually alarm people. Sounds obvious right? But how many times have you heard an alarm going off and thought “oh that’s annoying” instead of “oh no someone’s in trouble”? Get one with different alert patterns. Make it distinctive. And tell your neighbors what it sounds like so they actually pay attention.
The NBN thing nobody talks about. If your security system runs through your internet and your NBN connection is dodgy, guess what happens when someone cuts your cable? Yeah. Nothing good. You need backup systems. Battery power. Maybe even cellular backup if you’re really serious.
Here’s a real world example. My neighbor Janet (not her real name) had cameras everywhere. I mean EVERYWHERE. Must have spent 10 grand easy. But she put all the recording equipment in her garage. In a nice labeled box. Guess what the thieves took first?
The recording box.
All that footage. Gone. Because she didn’t think about where to hide the actual brains of the operation.
So what should you actually do?
First, walk around your house like you’re trying to break in. I’m serious. Where would you try first? Can you see inside easily? Are there tools lying around someone could use? That ladder leaning against the house? Yeah that’s basically an invitation.
Get your cameras up high. Mix visible ones with hidden ones. The visible ones are deterrents. The hidden ones catch the idiots who think they’re smart. And please please please store your recordings somewhere secure. Cloud storage, hidden recorder, whatever. Just not sitting out in the open with a label that says “SECURITY FOOTAGE HERE.”
Motion sensors are your friend. But set them up right or you’ll be getting alerts every time a cat walks by. Most modern systems let you set zones and sensitivity. Use them. Nobody needs 47 notifications because a tree branch moved.
And here’s something people never think about – maintenance. Cameras get dirty. Spiders love building webs on them. That crystal clear 4K footage becomes useless real quick when its covered in dust and spider silk. Check them monthly. Clean them. Make sure they’re actually working.
The two-way audio thing is amazing when it works. Nothing scares off a would-be thief faster than a voice suddenly booming “HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” But test it first. Make sure you can actually hear and be heard clearly. Otherwise you’re just making weird noises at criminals.
Oh and insurance. Call your insurance company after you install everything. Some give discounts for proper security systems. Might as well save some money while protecting your stuff right?
Look the truth is, no system is perfect. A determined professional thief is probably getting in regardless. But most crimes are opportunistic. Make your house the harder target and they’ll move on to easier pickings. Its like the old joke about outrunning a bear – you don’t need to be faster than the bear, just faster than the other guy.
Get it installed properly the first time. DIY is great for lots of things but security isn’t really one of them unless you really know what you’re doing. Professional installation means someone who knows all the tricks, all the blind spots, all the ways systems fail.
Your home is supposed to be your safe space. The place where you can relax and not worry about the world outside. Good security helps keep it that way. Not paranoid, just prepared.
Stay safe out there.
-Bryce
