Security camera installation is probably a job best left to the pros. After all, the safety and security of your home or business is at stake.
Gateway Lock & Security has the security cameras to meet your needs and to provide the peace of mind you deserve. Whether at home or business, we can install digital video surveillance systems to protect your property, family, employees and customers from intruders and vandals.
Home Security Camera Installers
Having your home safe and secure is priceless. We install high quality and highly efficient security cameras to protect both the outside and inside of your home. Our cameras can be placed strategically to detect movement and capture images. The cameras can be hidden or in plain sight depending on your preferences and needs.
Commercial Security Camera Installation
Securing you business or property is vital; and business owners and property managers typically need more comprehensive security systems. They need to monitor more space, more entryways, parking garages and parking lots, warehouses, etc. They can also be connected to access control systems to provide a record of who is entering and exiting a building.
College Campuses
It’s a sad fact, but with the increased incidents of assault and rape on college campuses, security cameras in and around dorms, campus apartments, classrooms, walkways and other areas frequented by students and faculty can help with security and peace of mind. They can also capture images of the perpetrators to provide to authorities as evidence and assistance in their arrest and prosecution.
Outdoor Security Cameras
Sometimes, just the mere presence of security cameras is enough to deter would-be criminals. However, if someone is up to no good outside your home or business, cameras installed where they are most useful can help you identify the culprits, and if prosecuted, the images they capture can be used as evidence. Human witnesses can be unreliable, if you can even convince them to testify. Images taken by the video cameras present an unbiased record of events.
Internal Security Cameras
Security cameras placed inside your home or business can monitor the activities of individuals. Depending on the intended purpose of the camera, you may want it hidden instead of in plain sight. For example, if you want to make sure your babysitter or nanny is attending to all the needs of your children, you may want the camera hidden. But if you just want to track who accesses the cash room in the office, it’s typical for the camera to be noticeable.
Brands of Security Cameras
Gateway Lock & Security can install almost any brand of security camera on the market. There are some, however, that are our most popular security cameras. They all offer premium security camera products and systems.
- Digital Watchdog
- Hikvision
- Bosch
- Dahua
- Pelco
- Speco
- Vitek
- Honeywell
What Type of Security Camera is Best for You?
There are many different types of security cameras and systems, so deciding on the best one for you can be a challenge. Here are some of the types we install most, and information on where they perform the best.
Box Style Security Cameras
This camera is probably the most commonly installed one. Its name comes from the shape of the camera. It is a standalone camera that can be mounted outdoors or indoors. The lens, camera and housing can be customized to fit installation specifications. It offers many lens options, including vari-focal and fixed.
Dome Security Camera
This camera combines camera, lens, and ceiling mount into a dome shape. It works well in environments that produce a lot of dirt, dust or smoke, like in kitchens, warehouses or factories. It can function outdoors or inside. It is also available in vandal-resistant cases.
Point-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Security Camera
A PTZ camera allows you to remotely control the camera to pan, tilt and zoom it, as desired. It can be operated by software or a joystick. It can be good in situations where you need to focus on a particular area or track movement.
Bullet Security Camera
This is a combination of camera, lens and housing in a bullet-shaped body. They are good for low-light areas because they usually include infrared illuminators.
IP Security Camera
An IP camera transmits a digital signal using Internet Protocol over a network. These IP cameras, versus analog types, allow for better system management.
Day/Night Security Camera
These are used primarily in variable light conditions, both indoors and outdoors. They contain an infrared filter that adjusts when light decreases.
Thermal Security Cameras
Thermal cameras can be used when the environment in which they’re placed is more rugged and extreme. They work well in smoke, haze, fog; even in complete darkness by using heat sensing to differentiate objects.
Where to Install Security Cameras
You may think it’s obvious where to install your video cameras in and around your home or business. But you need to make sure they are placed where they will do the most good for your intentions. Below are some suggestions on locations that you need to consider. Depending on your particular home or business, or your unique security requirements, additional placements can also be considered.
Home Security Camera Placement
- External doors. These locations are the prime entryways for your home and should be monitored closely. Most intruders will enter through the front and back doors. And don’t forget the sliding glass doors to your patio, deck or walk-out basement. To avoid would-be culprits from damaging or disabling your cameras, place them out of normal reach. If you have a two story home, placing them on the 2nd floor is advisable. If you have a one story home, you can locate them in the eaves. Enclosing the cameras with mesh can reduce damage as well.
- Directing cameras to windows, especially those on the first floor, can deter burglars from entering that route. Windows not facing the street are especially vulnerable, as they are more hidden from public view. Internal cameras directed toward the outside can capture images of intruders attempting to enter.
- The garage door is frequently opened and closed; sometimes left open for extended periods. This allows criminals to view the valuables within, like expensive tools and vehicles. Many garages also have a door accessing the inside of the home, which can be left unlocked. So any burglar that breaks into the garage has access to not only the contents of the garage itself, but the entire home. The cameras placed inside the garage should be directed toward the garage door to capture images of anyone entering or exiting.
- Back yard. Because the back yard is less noticeable by passers-by, would-be burglars can spend more time there trying to break in. Cameras installed where they can capture movement anywhere in the yard can help deter crime. Pets are also sometimes left in the enclosed yard, vulnerable to other predators. These cameras can also record damage caused by weather events, serving as evidence when filing insurance claims.
- Whether indoors or out, stairs are used to access different areas of the home. They are often a way for burglars to gain unique access to other areas out of view. Having cameras placed where they capture the activity on the stairs can help to deter or resolve crime.
Security Camera Locations for Businesses
- Entrances and Exits. Just as in the home, these entryways are where most people obtain access to your buildings. Cameras placed where most people will look; for example, by the address or other sign; will capture clear images of their face. Not only do they capture when they enter, but also when they exit, and the length of time they are inside.
- Reception Area. If you have a lobby or reception area, visitors will stop there to check in. Strategically located cameras will be able to capture every person approaching the receptionist or security guard.
- Work Areas. If you are in retail, tracking the activities of shoppers and cashiers is critical to deterring theft. Even if you don’t have a retail store, keeping an eye on employees can help monitor their productivity.
- Supply Rooms. You’d like to be able to trust your employees not to take what doesn’t belong to them, but it happens. Cameras placed where they can record who, what and how often supplies are removed can catch them in the act and help reduce theft.
- Loading Docks and Warehouses. Many company assets are stored and transported in these areas. Keeping track of their movement can prevent loss. Cameras can also record accidents for use in workman’s compensation cases.
- Parking Garages and Lots. Having cameras placed where they can track the activity in these areas can not only capture the license plates of vehicles entering and exiting, they can also provide security to people going to and from their cars. Knowing that cameras are there can give peace of mind to employees and visitors.