When it comes to installing CCTV cameras, proper placement is essential to maximise security and ensure comprehensive coverage. Whether the system is for a business or a private home, where cameras are positioned can make all the difference in protecting the property. Here’s a guide to help installers advise clients on the best spots for CCTV camera placement.
1. Main Entrance
The primary entrance to any building is a must-cover area. Most burglars or intruders will attempt entry through the front door, making this a critical location for surveillance. Position the camera at a downward angle to cover both the door and anyone approaching it. Avoid placing it too high to ensure you capture clear facial images.
2. Side and Back Entrances
While the front door is important, secondary entrances are often overlooked by homeowners and businesses but can be attractive targets for criminals. 
Ensure all points of entry, such as side doors and back doors, are monitored. Cameras in these locations can help deter potential intruders looking for a less obvious entry.
3. Windows
Ground floor windows are another vulnerable point in any building, particularly those hidden from view or in dark areas. Cameras should be positioned to monitor these windows, especially those that cannot be seen from the street. A well-placed camera can help prevent a burglar from using windows as an entry point.
4. Driveways and Parking Areas
For properties with driveways or parking areas, it’s important to monitor vehicles and anyone approaching the building from these directions. Position cameras to cover the entire area, ensuring no blind spots are left. This is particularly useful for identifying suspicious activity or capturing number plates.
5. Blind Spots and Hidden Areas
Intruders often seek out areas that are out of sight, such as behind garages, in garden sheds, or secluded parts of a property. Make sure to place cameras in these hidden or less visible areas. This will ensure full coverage of the premises and reduce the likelihood of blind spots that could be exploited.
6. Garages and Outbuildings
Garages and other outbuildings are often targets for theft, particularly if valuable tools or vehicles are stored inside. Cameras should be positioned to monitor entrances to these buildings as well as the surrounding area. A camera with night vision capabilities can be particularly useful in these spots. 
7. Indoors (Optional)
Some properties may benefit from indoor cameras. These are especially useful for monitoring valuable rooms, such as office spaces, safes, or rooms with expensive equipment. While outdoor cameras help deter burglars, indoor cameras provide an additional layer of protection should someone gain access to the building.
8. High-Risk Areas
For commercial properties, certain areas may be considered high-risk, such as loading bays, delivery docks, or areas where cash transactions take place. Ensure cameras are placed in these areas to protect against theft or fraud.
Consider Lighting and Night Vision
When positioning cameras, it’s important to consider lighting conditions. Ensure there is adequate lighting for clear footage, especially at night. If the area is poorly lit, recommend cameras with night vision capabilities to your client. Additionally, avoid positioning cameras directly towards bright lights, as this can affect the quality of footage.
Angle and Height of Cameras
The angle and height at which the cameras are installed play a crucial role in the quality of the footage. If placed too high, it can be difficult to capture clear facial features, while too low can leave the camera vulnerable to tampering. A height of 8-10 feet (about 2.5-3 metres) is generally recommended for outdoor cameras to provide a good field of view while staying out of reach.
The Importance of Walk Tests
At Farsight Security Services, before we begin monitoring a new site with CCTV cameras, we carry out a crucial process known as a walk test. This is a collaborative effort between our monitoring station and the installer to ensure that the system is functioning as intended.
During the walk test, the installer checks each camera alarm with us, ensuring it activates correctly when motion is detected, or an event occurs. We also verify that footage is sent promptly, the images are clear, and the connection speed is efficient. This ensures the system will work seamlessly when real incidents occur.
While it is the responsibility of the installer to position the cameras in compliance with regulations, we also take an active role in assessing camera placement. Our team advises on any cameras pointing towards public areas, windows, or other locations that could breach privacy regulations. Additionally, we do not monitor cameras that infringe on public or private spaces, ensuring full legal compliance and ethical monitoring.
By completing these thorough walk tests, we help guarantee that every site we monitor meets the highest standards of security and privacy.
For more information on CCTV regulations in the UK, including placement, privacy considerations, and legal compliance, you can refer to the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, updated in January 2022. This guide, issued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, outlines how CCTV systems should be used to ensure they are operated transparently and legally.
Additionally, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) offers comprehensive guidance on using CCTV in line with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring proper handling of personal data captured by surveillance systems. This is especially important for businesses, as it covers the need for signage, access to recorded images, and storage practices.
You can access these guidelines here:
• ICO CCTV guidance Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Surveillance Camera Code of Practice
Choosing the right position for CCTV cameras is essential for optimal performance, but knowing where not to install them can be just as critical. Learn more in our guide: Where Not to Position CCTV Cameras: A Guide for Installers.
Conclusion
Positioning CCTV cameras in the right locations is crucial for creating an effective security system. By covering all entrances, blind spots, and high-risk areas, installers can ensure their clients have full coverage of their property. Proper placement, along with the right camera technology, can significantly enhance security and peace of mind.
By following these guidelines, installers can provide the best service and advice for their clients, whether they’re securing a home or a business.
