Making the Most of a Fake Security Camera
Why would anyone bother with a fake security camera when there are real losses incurred due to vandalism and other malicious activity? The answer might seem obvious to many who would initially assume that the presence of a security camera is enough to deter most criminal behavior. Those who assume such rationale for installing fake security cameras are correct. It is a similar concept to installing lighting security to deter burglars. The important thing is that the camera is both obvious without revealing any tells that it is a dummy security camera. There is a direct correlation between effectiveness of a fake security camera and how realistic it would appear to unassuming people.
There are a number of ways a camera can appear to be real when it is actually a fake. First of all, we do not want a cheap-looking camera that is detectable as a fake. Upon discovering that it is a fake, we can assume that criminals would be encouraged since the owner of the camera loses credibility. There is an assumption that someone using a fake camera probably is too cheap or ignorant to properly monitor and protect their property and therefore can easily be taken advantage off. The criminal will feel that they have such an imposter figured out and can get away with anything.
Many fake cameras do actually appear very much like a real camera and even act like one. Some have led lights that blink or turn on to indicate some recording activity is going on. Some use motion sensors to follow moving objects which work really well in scaring away unwanted strangers. The key is to keep it consistent with the rest of your security camera system if you have more than one camera.
Try mounting them the same way so that the fake cannot be detected. If it is an entire system of fakes, that is okay too. Simply install them exactly the same so it appears more legitimate. If you have a system of real cameras with visible cables, then make sure the fake has matching cables. Mount them the same way and try using the same housing if they are outdoor security cameras.
A combination of lighting security and fake cameras will work wonders in many situations. Since lighting security works on the same principle of scaring away petty crime, adding some fake cameras into the mix will just up the ante that much more. Take that comparison into careful consideration, however. If what you are monitoring and protecting is not worth a real camera and lighting security is good enough, then fake security cameras are right for your situation. Otherwise, don’t gamble and hope that the fake camera is good enough. Usually, more valuable property will cost more to protect so don’t go cheap and use fake cameras when you really should be monitoring for real.
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Fake Security Cameras
A system of outdoor security cameras can really be used to your advantage for marginal costs by selectively installing fake security cameras throughout your property. This is to take advantage of the idea that there are security cameras in the area and anyone with malicious intent will be on the lookout for a camera. They will try to perform their unruly activity somewhere where they believe is not under surveillance. Adding fake security cameras to your system will make people believe that more areas are being monitored than there really are.
Managing Risks
Of course, keep in mind that only low traffic areas or places where you do not have high vulnerabilities are candidates for fake cameras. You do not want to install a fake camera over something valuable that you cannot afford to have stolen or damaged. Ideally the current security cameras in the system are already monitoring high risk areas and the fake cameras are just extra. That is the premise of selective installation of fake cameras.
Another word of warning is not to use too many fake cameras because that increases the chances of it being discovered and the fallout could be worse than not have the fake cameras at all. In the mind of the offender, the integrity of your security system has been compromised and there is no respect for real cameras. They will think that it is fake just like the others and go on damaging or stealing things. So the question becomes how to make the fake security cameras appear real enough that no one would assume or question the validity of your monitoring system?
Fake Appearance
In a system of real cameras we want all cameras to appear real. This means that they look like real outdoor cameras built tough to withstand some physical stress. Cheap flimsy plastic toy cameras will not make the cut. It might be enough to scare the cashier from taking money out of the register but a sophisticated burglar will know right away if the camera is too small or cheap looking.
The appearance is everything with a fake camera so if the current system has visible cameras, then it is a good idea to put up fake cameras in very visible places such as on a wall. If there are visible wires coming out of the camera, then make sure the fake camera has the same type of wires exposed. This should rarely be the case with outdoor security cameras in many situations because exposed wires are a very vulnerable weak point in the system.
LED and Motion Sensors
Get a camera that matches the model of your real cameras. This means that if your real cameras have an LED light when powered on, you will want a fake camera that also has the same LED light. If you use fixed position cameras, then you can get away with fixed fake cameras. Otherwise you will want a camera that matches the movement of your real camera. There are fake security cameras that have motion sensors to either turn on an LED or even follow the moving object. This can seem very real and scare most intruders.
Just make sure the fake security cameras look and act like the real cameras and install them in areas where the risk does not warrant the cost of buying and maintaining a real camera.
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Outdoor Wireless Security Camera
When it comes to installing an outdoor security camera, planning the layout and route of the wires can be a daunting task of its own. Outdoor wireless security cameras offer the benefit of being free from cables that tether the camera to the rest of the network and recording or monitoring components. Outdoor wireless security cameras relieve a number of problems and possible weak points posed by exposed cables while the camera itself is built strong enough to withstand harsh conditions. But that doesn’t mean that wireless security cameras do not have limitations. Range and network security are important attributes associated with wireless cameras that must be addressed.
Wireless Range
The first limitation is the range of the wireless signal. The distance between a camera receiver can be installed from the signal transmitter depends on many factors. The signal strength is determined by the power of the transmitter but a good receiver is also important. A typical receiver will need to be within the range of the transmitter’s signal but a booster on the receiving end could allow the camera to connect with a transmitter even when the signal is low. The reverse could also remedy the problem where a booster is used to improve the signal put out by the transmitter.
The wireless signals use a particular radio frequency which can be blocked by objections. To achieve optimal range there needs to be a clear path between transmitter and receiver but this is rarely the case and we would be so lucky if there is ever such a situation. Normally, objects will hinder the signal strength and limit range depending on the material of the object. Thick walls and metal objects are the most detrimental to a wireless signal.
Sometimes even weather can affect the range of the signal. This is something that requires a little more consideration because it might go unnoticed until a storm hits and high winds affect the radio waves from traveling properly. With due diligence and careful research these anomalies can be prevented.
Outdoor Power Source
Most wireless security cameras are not completely free from wires. The wireless part only applies to the transmitting of video data and there is still a need to be connected to a power source. Remember that this is an outdoor camera where unprotected components such as any power source connection could be damaged which would render the camera useless. It is also much harder to find a power outlet outdoors because building codes do not require a standard of accessible power sources.
One way around this if there are no outlets nearby is using an outdoor wireless security camera with a battery pack. This means that the battery levels must be monitored and the battery must be replaced or recharged regularly. The frequency of battery maintenance depends on battery capacity and the security camera’s power consumption. Another solution is using solar powered cameras or solar powered battery packs. In either case there is a battery that is recharged with solar power so that the battery pack does not have to be tended to.
If there are cables running from the battery pack to the camera or a power outlet or any other power source, it is important to remember that unprotected cables leave your security camera vulnerable. Protect them with cable casings or by running them inside a wall or ceiling.
Network Security
With any wireless network, the issue of access security is always prominent consideration. In an unsecured network any wireless device could connect to the network and access data being transmitted between your security camera and the rest of the security system. To prevent this there are different encryption and authorization systems. Using some security standard is important to protecting your entire network from unauthorized access.
Outdoor wireless security cameras really make the best use of wireless technology since it allows the owner to install a camera and monitor activity anywhere within a radius of the wireless signal.
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