This article was previously published on August 4, 2020 and updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.

Although placing security cameras in plain sight might deter criminals from your home, hiding them also has its benefits. Covert cameras can prevent burglars from disabling them, while also capturing needed footage.

In this article, we explain how to hide a camera both inside and outside your home to give you better peace of mind, as well as the regulations you should know when placing them.

How to Place a Camera in a Room

Hidden cameras enable you to monitor activity in real time and record footage for future reference. Optimally placed, covert cameras are most effective when they are:

  • Installed in sensible areas (e.g., living room, kitchen or toy room).
  • Placed under sufficient lighting.
  • Positioned to capture wide angles for fuller surveillance coverage.

With properly placed cameras, homeowners can identify and respond to potentially hazardous situations that occur while they are away. Hidden cameras can serve as visual and audio evidence in the following cases:

  • A babysitter neglects the children.
  • A healthcare provider mistreats an elderly patient.
  • A visitor steals belongings from the home.
  • An alarm event is triggered.
  • An unwelcome visitor enters the premises.

How to Hide a Camera in Plain Sight: Common Household Items

Strategically place cameras where they blend into natural surroundings. Hidden cameras are less likely to be discovered when disguised as common household items, such as:

  • Artificial Plants: Place the camera in a flowerpot or a vase and use leaves as a concealer.
  • Curtain Rods: Small cameras placed high up are less likely to be detected.
  • Entertainment Centers: Position cameras inside one of the shelves or cabinets of a media center. *Note: large speakers could make the video camera shake while on.
  • Hollow Books: Surround the disguised camera with several books on a shelf or mantle.
  • Medicine Cabinets: Conceal a camera in a toothpaste box and place it inside the cabinet to capture footage of anyone trying to access sensitive items in your medicine cabinet, like prescription drugs.
  • Plush Toys: Hide in a stuffed animal in a nursery to keep tabs on your children and babysitters.
  • Tissue Boxes: Covert cameras may capture footage through a small hole cut into the side of a tissue box.

How to Hide a Camera Outside: Doorbell Camera

Video doorbell cameras are growing in popularity, as many homeowners enjoy the convenience of a doorbell camera. In addition to enabling a smarter home, covert video doorbell cameras also provide an extra layer of security and convenience while offering a sleek, inconspicuous design.

The top benefits of owning a doorbell camera include:

  • Deterring and catching burglars: View live camera feeds and receive alerts to your phone when motion is detected.
  • Securing home deliveries: Confirm packages are delivered and prevent porch pirates from stealing deliveries from your doorstep.
  • Increasing a home’s value: Connected smart homes are more desirable to potential home buyers, further paying off your current investment in security.
  • Communicating with visitors: Using a mobile app, you can see, hear and talk to visitors at your front door. With smart locks integrated, you can also unlock the door from your smartphone.

Adhere to Local Laws and Regulations

Before installing covert cameras, understand your state’s laws regarding unauthorized video surveillance. Some states require consent from those being recorded. Also, avoid placing cameras where they would inadvertently capture footage of someone in a private area, such as when they’re changing or bathing.

When used appropriately, hidden cameras provide peace of mind to homeowners who are concerned about the safety of their family and personal assets. When strategically placed, they can capture potential danger as it arises, so you can respond accordingly.

Take the first step to implementing a covert security with a free video doorbell camera and installation with any home security package from Vector Security today. And feel free to contact us for more information.