What You Should Consider for Security Camera Placement in a Parking Lot - SecureTower® Recommendations
Parking lot security cameras are a key part of the overall security strategy of any facility. If you value the contents of your home or workplace, you might want to think more clearly about the importance of security camera installation. Needless to say, this is especially true when it comes to the contents of a parking lot or garage! After all, vehicles are expensive and research conducted in the United States has shown that the presence of security cameras has significantly decreased the extent of property crime in general.
In fact, security cameras have also adopted a more friendly design to appease property owners that view security cameras as a potential eye-sore.
As for this rising importance of security cameras, the statistics tell an interesting story.
But what does this mean exactly?
According to a study by IPVM, at least 20% of homes in the United States are equipped with security cameras. Just so you know, that’s more than 24 million households and a five percent increase in recent years. But what does this mean for parking lots?
It means that security cameras bring safety and security which is also important for parking lots.
But what might be driving this growth and demand for security cameras?
While the best security cameras don’t come “cheap”, even middle class Americans can comfortably afford most security camera kits. What’s more, these cameras are now high resolution and improved cellular networks have made it easy for consumers to access these installations from remote places. As you might have guessed, the same principles apply to any workplace or business or parking lot owner!
Now, that’s not to say you should be satisfied with the basic requirements. In other words, the actual competence of a parking lot security camera system will often depend on the quality of installation. It’s not simply a case of just sticking a camera to the wall!
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some important considerations about the installation process.
Choosing Where to Place Parking Lot Security Cameras
Choosing where to place security cameras in a parking lot is all about strategy. However, there are also other factors that need to be considered which will greatly impact the performance of this system. Here are just a few of the main points to consider for the placement of these cameras.
Convenient Access
Security cameras should always be placed in an accessible spot. You will need to hardwire this camera and potentially maintain or repair the camera on occasion.
Go High
At the same time, you want to keep parking lot security cameras out of reach from those who might inflict vandalism. As a rule, place them high but not so high that they become ineffective.
Out of Light
Sunlight can have a negative effect on the performance of a security camera. Think about it. When sunlight is shining on the lens, this can potentially blind the security camera.
Strategic Placement
It should go without saying that a security camera system should monitor the place in which the actual vehicles are visible. Ie. Within sight of intruders breaking/entering vehicles.
About Protecting Wiring and Keeping Parking Lots Security Cameras from Harm
First of all, if you opt for battery powered cameras, you can place cameras without needing to worry about wiring. However, for most homeowners, a strategy for wiring and camera housing is needed.
And this wiring and camera housing is incredibly important!
That is so say, securing the wires and ceasing cameras will prevent and protect against vandalism.
While you can always learn how to safely install security cameras, there are professional security teams that can take care of this installation for you. SecureTower always recommends that you choose wired over wireless installations for a more reliable and cyber-secure security system.
Here are some things to consider for securing and protecting your security cameras from harm:
Turn Everything Off
You should always turn all power off before installing security cameras. Turning off the power will keep everyone safe but also protect the security devices from harm.
Central Hub
A central surveillance hub will be home to your NVR mentioned above. This hub will determine the wiring route for the camera so choosing somewhere central is very important.
Drilling Holes
Try to drill holes at the precise point of outlet but use metal wire to check the inside of each wall for obstructions before drilling. Although drilling is the best way to install security cameras, you must always take care not to damage soffits and other fragile parts of the structure.
Tape and Secure
Professionals will often use fish tape to secure the wiring of security cameras. However, it’s also a good idea to install a protective cover to exposed wiring to protect and secure the overall system more efficiently.
Some More Tips for Concealing Wires and Cables
It’s true, without professional installation, a security camera system can look untidy. That being said, there is always a way and means to keep things tidy and make this system less intrusive.
Painting Wires
Painting the wires is a quick and easy way to conceal or mask the presence of security cameras. Also, this is an affordable way to help the wiring blend in with the color of the walls.
Hiding Wires
You might have existing baseboards in the parking lot which can help hide the wiring. Professional installation services can access and advise on the best way to approach this one.
Wire Guards
Similarly, you can install wire guards that hide the presence of these wires. However, this option is much more labor intensive and best left for the professionals.
Plastic Covers
Plastic tubes are sometimes used to conceal wiring and protect them from dust or external damage. While more costly than painting, this is a neat and tidy way to hide wires.
Burying Wires
While not always an option, some parking lots will feature grass areas which can be used to bury and conceal the wiring. Now, let’s consider the different types of security camera for a parking lot:
The Best Types of Parking Lots Security Cameras
As you may know, Pan Tilt Cameras (PTZ) are increasingly popular and possibly the best choice for keeping a parking lot safe and secure. Now, that’s not to say PTZ cameras are the only option but rather to highlight the accessibility and convenience of this particular type of security camera.
And that’s just part of the story…
Parking lots are most often fitted with one of two types of security camera – CCTV or IP Cameras.
Simply put, CCTV is an older method that broadcast a closed circuit signal to a specific recording device (DVR). Monitors will then enable a security team or individual to keep track of what is happening through this central device and frequent checking is required for this option.
On the other hand, an IP camera can send high resolution footage to a network video recorder (NVR) and this option requires fewer wires or maintenance in general. As part of this installation, IP cameras make it possible to access the parking lot from anywhere using even just a smartphone.
It’s true, a PTZ camera is the best way to monitor and secure a parking lot. In case you might be asking yourself, a pan-tilt-camera can zoom in or out on request and maneuver in any direction. Also known as “Robos” or “robotic cameras”, PTZ cameras can also be controlled from anywhere, anytime. In fact, most sporting events or stadiums or studios now use PTZ cameras for security.
Anyway, the point is, PTZ cameras are extremely effective in terms of securing a parking lot. Also, this is certainly the most advanced option for a parking lot and one that can integrate quickly and efficiently to any video management system.
About Choosing the Video Management System for Your Parking Lot Security Cameras
Choosing a video management system (VMS) is just as important as choosing the right cameras for securing a parking lot. In short, a VMS is a high quality system that uses smart software to enable users to monitor every aspect of the security system. More specifically, a VMS integrates all security cameras and components of the system to create a complete and secure security installation.
For this reason, users can access or activate any camera at the click of a button. What’s more, they can connect this system to an incident response centre or security officers. As if that’s not enough, a video management system will record everything that goes on within the scope of each camera.
You should also know that a solid video management system is vendor agnostic which means that it will have little to no downtime. In other words, the system will require very little maintenance or support and you can rest-assured that the parking lot is completely secure at all times. Depending on your installation provider, you can also avail of 24-hour customer support and
For instance, SecureTower ensure that your system is not only up and running but also scalable, affordable and accessible in precisely the way you require. In this sense, it’s important to understand the true value and importance of contacting the professionals before diving into the matter yourself.
Benefits of Professional Installation for Parking Lot Security Cameras
Even if you manage to pick out the best cameras for your parking lot, there is simply no substitute for experience. What’s more, the benefit of support and future guidance will ensure that you get the most from your money, while keeping the parking lot or garage safe from unwanted visitors.
Best Security Cameras
Choosing he best security cameras for a parking lot is often the most challenging task. However, the pros know exactly what cameras can get the job done.
Video Management System
A professional installation crew like SecureTower can help you identify and install the most suitable video management system to bring everything together.
Affordability
For this reason, budget is always kept in mind and you can quickly find the most affordable security system for a parking lot by contacting the professionals.
Upgrade
You can also rest assured that your security system can be upgraded as time goes on and this is very important in terms of software, for cyber attacks prey on weakness in this regard.
Camera Placement and Installation
It should go without saying that camera placement is essential and the pros can pick out the best places in this respect. At this point, you can sit back why they go about installing these cameras to your parking lot in the most safe and secure way.
Scalability
Professional installation services will choose an option that will allow you to scale at any point in the future. That is, the experts can install a system to which you can add cameras at a later time.
Ongoing Support
Reputable companies like SecureTower ensure that you are never alone and every installation comes with a guarantee along with ongoing support for issues or questions that may arise. Moral of the story: With enough research and experience, it’s possible to carry out this installation process but a professional installation is always recommended and likely to be more effective.
Parking Lots Security Camera Final Thoughts
Securing a parking lot or garage is an important concern and security cameras are proven to significantly reduce crime related to such areas. However, the performance of any security system will always rely on the quality of the installation and this is certainly true in terms of IP cameras.
With this in mind, the PTZ Camera is clearly one of the best option for keeping an area secure and if you value the contents of your parking lot, it’s always best to leave the process to the pros. SecureTower® can help!
