Security cameras: what to know before installing

A well-installed CCTV system deters break-ins and gives you peace of mind, but the key is planning.

Placement: the critical spots are entryways, garages, backyards and blind spots. Fewer well-placed cameras beat many badly placed ones.

Types: IP cameras let you watch from your phone anywhere; analog HD cameras are cheaper for local systems. For outdoors, make sure they're weatherproof (IP66 or higher).

A professional installation includes: protected cabling, a configured recorder (DVR/NVR), remote access from your phone, and a power backup so you're not left blind during an outage.