Best Places to Install CCTV Cameras for Better Safety

If you install CCTV cameras but put them in the wrong place, they do not help much.
Many people buy cameras, spend money, and still feel unsafe.
The reason is simple. The camera position is wrong.

I have seen this many times.
People install cameras without planning. Later, they complain that the camera did not record anything useful.
That is why camera placement is more important than camera brand.

In this article, I will explain where you should install CCTV cameras so they actually help you.
I will explain everything in simple words, step by step.
You do not need technical knowledge to understand this.

I am writing this to help you protect your home, shop, office, or building in a better way.

Why CCTV Camera Placement Is Very Important

Before talking about places, you need to understand why placement matters.

A CCTV camera is like your eyes.
If your eyes are closed or looking in the wrong direction, you cannot see anything.

When cameras are placed correctly:

• You can see faces clearly

• You can see activities clearly

• You can stop theft and bad behavior

• You feel more confident and safe

When cameras are placed wrongly:

• Faces look blurry

• Important areas are missed

• Cameras only record walls or empty space

• Criminals are not scared

Many people think, “Camera lag gayi, ab kaam ho gaya.”
But that is not true.
Correct place = real security

Main Entrance of Your Home or Building

The main entrance is the most important place for a CCTV camera.

Most people enter and exit from this point.
If something bad happens, the first place you want to check is the main gate or door.

You should place the camera:

• Slightly above the door

• Facing the entrance

• At an angle where faces are clearly visible

Do not place it too high.
If it is too high, you will only see the head top.
Faces will not be clear.

Also, do not hide the camera fully.
A visible camera scares bad people away.

In Pakistan, many theft cases happen because:

• The gate camera was not facing the gate properly

• Faces were not clear

• Camera was blocked by shade or grill

So always double-check the angle.

Inside the Main Gate or Porch Area

Many people install cameras outside but forget the inside gate area.

This area is very important because:

• Delivery boys come here

• Unknown people stand here

• Vehicles enter and leave from here

If someone enters the gate and does something wrong, an inside camera gives you clear proof.

Place the camera:

• On the side wall

• Facing the gate opening

• Covering people and vehicles

This camera helps you:

• Identify people

• Check delivery timing

• Monitor visitors

For houses in Pakistan, porch cameras are very useful.

Living Room or Drawing Room (Indoor Camera)

Some people feel uncomfortable installing cameras inside the home.
But one indoor camera in the living room can be very helpful.

This is useful when:

• You have children

• You have house help

• You stay outside for work

Do not place the camera:

• In bedrooms

• In bathrooms

Privacy is important.

Place it:

• In a corner

• Covering the main sitting area

• Not too close to faces

This camera helps you see:

• Who comes inside

• What happens when you are not home

• General movement

It builds peace of mind.

Staircase and Hallway Areas

Staircases and hallways are like connection points.

People must pass through these areas to go anywhere inside the building.

Installing a camera here is very smart because:

• It captures movement

• It records everyone passing

• It connects footage from different areas

Place the camera:

• On a corner wall

• Facing stairs or hallway

• At medium height

Many people ignore these places.
But when something goes missing, hallway footage helps a lot.

Outside Boundary Wall or Street View

If your house or shop faces a street, this camera is very useful.

This camera:

• Monitors street activity

• Records suspicious movement

• Helps in vehicle safety

Place it:

• Facing the street

• Not too wide

• Focused on your area, not neighbor’s house

Do not point the camera directly at sunlight.
Sunlight damages image quality.

In Pakistan, street cameras help in:

• Bike theft cases

• Car damage issues

• Late night activity checking

Shop Front and Cash Counter Area

If you have a shop, camera placement becomes even more important.

Two areas must have cameras:

1. Shop front

2. Cash counter

Shop Front Camera

This camera:

• Records customers entering

• Captures faces

• Scares shoplifters

Place it:

• Facing the entrance

• Slightly above eye level

Cash Counter Camera

This camera:

• Protects your money

• Prevents internal theft

• Records transactions

Place it:

• Directly above or behind counter

• Covering hands and cash area

Many shop owners regret later because they skipped this camera.

Office Entry and Working Area

In offices, cameras help with:

• Security

• Discipline

• Safety

Install cameras:

• At office entrance

• In common working area

Avoid placing cameras:

• In washrooms

• In private cabins without reason

The purpose is safety, not spying.

Office cameras help when:

• Something goes missing

• Disputes happen

• Entry timing needs checking

Parking Area or Garage

Parking areas are high-risk zones.

Many problems happen here:

• Vehicle scratches

• Theft

• Unauthorized entry

Place the camera:

• Facing vehicle entry

• Covering number plates

• With night vision support

Do not place it too far.
Number plates must be readable.

In Pakistan, parking cameras are very helpful for flats and plazas.

Common CCTV Camera Placement Mistakes You Must Avoid

Now let me tell you some very common mistakes people make.

You should avoid these.

• Installing camera too high

• Facing camera directly into light

• Blocking camera with plants or grills

• Using wide angle everywhere

• Not checking camera view after installation

Always check:

• Day view

• Night view

• Face clarity

• Recording angle

Spend 10 minutes checking now.
It can save you big trouble later.

Simple Tips to Get Better Results from Your Cameras

Here are some simple tips you can follow easily:

• Clean camera lens every month

• Check recording once a week

• Adjust angle if needed

• Make sure date and time are correct

• Keep cameras visible

These small steps make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

CCTV cameras are helpful only when they are placed correctly.
Buying expensive cameras does not guarantee safety.

If you place cameras at:

• Entrance

• Gate

• Hallways

• Important areas

You get better results.

Always think like this:
“If something happens here, will the camera help me see clearly?”

If the answer is yes, then the camera is in the right place.

FAQs

Where should I install the first CCTV camera in my house?

You should install the first camera at the main entrance. This area gives the most important footage.

Is it okay to install CCTV cameras inside the home?

Yes, but only in common areas like the living room. Avoid bedrooms and bathrooms.

How high should a CCTV camera be installed?

Not too high. Around 7 to 9 feet is good so faces are visible.

Do CCTV cameras work well at night?

Yes, if they have good night vision and are not facing direct light.

Can CCTV cameras really stop theft?

They help a lot. Visible cameras scare thieves and also give proof if something happens.