You’ve seen the commercials for video doorbell cameras. They show a burglar trying to break into a home, and the homeowner gets an alert on their phone. The burglar sees the camera and runs away. But is this really what happens?
There are many things that burglars don’t want you to know about home security. If you’re considering buying a video doorbell camera, there are some things you should know first. This guide will answer all your questions about video doorbells and burglary prevention.
Do Video Doorbells Deter Burglars?
The presence of WIFI-enabled doorbell cameras in homes has been touted by Amazon as a crime-fighting tool; however, there is little to no empirical evidence that surveillance cameras or doorbell cameras of any type are a significant deterrent to criminal activity. Although it is possible that the presence of a doorbell camera could deter a burglar, the data shows that crime rates remain unchanged or fluctuate regardless of the presence of such devices.
Ring Video Doorbells are undoubtedly convenient and offer homeowners the ability to communicate with visitors without having to open the door, but these cameras are not a viable tool for preventing burglaries. Doorbell cameras, lighting, alarms, and other security system features are more useful for deterring potential burglars than video doorbells.
These features make it difficult for burglars to break into a house or steal something from a porch without getting caught. The visibility of a doorbell camera from the road or from the front of a house can be a deterrent, but it is not enough to effectively prevent burglaries from taking place.
In conclusion, WIFI-enabled doorbell cameras are useful for communicating with visitors and interacting with the outside world from the comfort of your home, but their effectiveness as a deterrent to crime is questionable. It is important that homeowners take additional measures such as installing lighting and alarm systems to increase the security of their homes.
How do video doorbell cameras deter burglars?
Video doorbell cameras are a powerful tool in deterring burglars, as they serve as a visible deterrent, provide homeowners with peace of mind, and can help law enforcement apprehend criminals.
Burglars typically look for easy targets and a doorbell camera with a two-way talk feature makes it difficult for them to carry out their plan. Seeing the camera and being able to talk to the homeowner through the app can easily scare them off.
Additionally, the footage from the cameras provides evidence to the police that can help them apprehend the perpetrators. Thus, doorbell cameras can be an effective way to prevent burglaries.
Benefits of installing a video doorbell camera
1. Increased security and peace of mind
Installing a video doorbell camera is an effective way to increase both security and peace of mind for homeowners. With a video doorbell camera, homeowners can be alerted when someone is approaching their home and verify who is at the door before deciding whether to answer or not.
Additionally, video doorbell cameras can provide homeowners with real-time notifications when motion sensors or window/door sensors are triggered. An added layer of protection is created by being able to monitor and talk to visitors in real time without them knowing if you are actually at home.
Through integration with smart home technology, homeowners can also remotely control their garage door to have delivery drivers drop packages inside and close the door after they have left.
2. Ability to identify intruders and alert authorities
A video doorbell camera can be a great tool to help protect against intruders and alert authorities in the event of a break-in or attempted break-in. The presence of a doorbell camera is a major deterrent to potential burglars, as they don’t want to risk being recorded in the act.
It’s also helpful for providing the police with any evidence that may help identify the criminal. The camera will record footage of any intruders approaching the house, which can be used as evidence to help identify and apprehend the suspect.
Additionally, motion-sensor lights can be tied into the camera system, which will alert the authorities if someone is on the property and will make it easier to capture a clear image of the intruder.
3. Ability to record and capture footage of intruders
Installing a video doorbell camera is a great way to help improve your home security. It serves as a deterrent for potential burglars and porch pirates, as they don’t want to risk getting caught on camera.
If a doorbell camera or other security camera is visible from the road or from the front of a house, criminals are more likely to skip that house in favor of an easier target.
Additionally, video doorbell cameras have helped solve other crimes unrelated to porch piracy and home invasion, such as kidnappings, car thefts, and assaults, according to the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
What’s more, if a break-in does occur, footage from a video doorbell camera can help law enforcement identify, arrest, and charge the perpetrator, potentially preventing them from committing more crimes in the future.
4. Ability to create an alarm system for your home
A video doorbell camera can be used to create an alarm system for your home in a few simple steps:
- Install the video doorbell camera near your front door. Make sure to position it in a way that allows you to easily see who is outside.
- Connect the video doorbell camera to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This will allow you to access the video feeds from your smartphone or other devices.
- Configure the camera’s settings to trigger an alarm when it detects motion. This will alert you to any visitors or intruders.
- Create a schedule for the camera’s alarm system. You can set it to trigger the alarm during certain times of the day, or at all times.
- Add additional sensors, such as motion detectors or window/door sensors, to further enhance your home’s security.
- Consider investing in a professionally monitored home security system. Many of today’s home security systems can be integrated with your video doorbell camera and provide real-time notifications to your smartphone or other devices if an intruder triggers an alarm.
By taking these steps, you can create an alarm system for your home that will provide an additional layer of protection and peace of mind.
5. Ability to connect with other smart home devices
Installing a video doorbell camera can help connect other smart home devices by providing an extra layer of security. With modern technology comes modern crime, such as hacking, which is why the watchdog group Which found that major security flaws in popular smart doorbell products were putting consumers at more risk of being a target for crime than before they owned the product. Research has even found that burglars see smart doorbells as an indication of wealth.
By installing a video doorbell camera, users can reduce their risk of being hacked by using data encryption, creating strong passwords and policies, and avoiding weak Wi-Fi connections that could allow a hacker to gain access to the home network. Furthermore, the camera can monitor any activity around the home and notify the user if something suspicious is occurring. This can help give the user peace of mind and help them stay one step ahead of criminals who may be looking to target the property.
6. Increased home safety and security
Installing a video doorbell camera provides a number of benefits for home safety and security. These include:
- Real-time notifications to your smartphone if an unauthorized person triggers a motion detector or a door or window sensor.
- Deterring potential burglars who are casing a potential target as studies have shown that up to 60% of them would be deterred by an alarm system.
- An additional layer of protection and peace of mind with a home security system.
- Monitoring your property from wherever you are in the world via the internet, allows you to easily check up on your property using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
7. Ability to monitor activities outside the home
Installing a video doorbell camera can help monitor activities taking place outside your home. This type of camera typically has motion sensors, which can be triggered when there is movement outside the home.
When the sensors are triggered, you will receive an alert on your smartphone, allowing you to check in on your property. Additionally, these cameras often come with night vision, which can help you keep an eye on your home after dark, when burglars are most likely to be active.
This type of active deterrence helps provide an extra layer of security against potential intruders. Furthermore, the camera can be programmed to play a tune or sound a siren if necessary, further deterring criminals and preventing break-ins.
With a video doorbell camera, you can keep track of who is coming and going from your home and get notified in real time when there is suspicious activity outside.
8. Ability to communicate with visitors outside the home
Installing video doorbells offers a range of benefits, one of which is the ability to communicate with visitors outside the home. This feature provides homeowners with a sense of security, as they can view who is ringing their doorbell before opening the door, even when they are away.
The two-way audio feature allows them to talk to the visitor in real time without the visitor knowing if they are actually at home. This is especially beneficial for those who shop online, as they can have a trusted neighbor pick up a package or have the delivery driver drop it inside and remotely close the garage door after they have left.
Additionally, doorbell cameras are a powerful security tool that can help to deter, detect, and prevent crime. When burglars see the camera they are less likely to break in, and the two-way talk feature can scare them away with just a simple phrase.
9. Improved security and protection against porch pirates
Installing a video doorbell camera is one of the best ways to improve security and protect against porch pirates. By having highly visible cameras, criminals are more likely to stay away from your front porch.
Doorbell cameras also give homeowners peace of mind, knowing that if someone does try to steal from their porch, the camera will provide footage that can be used to help law enforcement identify, arrest, and charge the perpetrator.
Additionally, doorbell cameras can help law enforcement Solve other crimes such as kidnappings, car thefts, and assaults. With a video doorbell camera, you can also be alerted anytime someone approaches your front door, even if they don’t ring the bell. This way, you can use the two-way talk feature to scare off any potential porch pirates.
Things Burglars do NOT Want You to Know
1. Burglars do not want to be caught on camera
Burglars do not want to be caught on camera doing any of the following: breaking into a house, stealing something from a porch, taking something from a house, attempting to break into a house, tampering with security devices, tampering with lighting, tampering with alarms, tampering with doorbell cameras, or any other activity that would constitute a crime.
Burglars also do not want their faces to be captured by security cameras, as they know they can be identified and arrested. Burglars want to get in and out of a home quickly and without detection, so if they can see security cameras or signs indicating surveillance in use, they are more likely to choose an easier target.
2. Burglars do not want to have difficulty breaking into a home
One way to avoid having trouble breaking into a home is to install a home security system. This includes features like doorbell cameras, lighting, alarms, and other security system features. These act as a big deterrent and make it difficult for would-be thieves to break in.
Additionally, placing an American flag outside the house can also be a deterrent, as burglars associate the red, white, and blue with patriotism, and will figure the homeowner is armed to the teeth.
Lastly, making sure there are lights outside the house, using motion-triggered lights, and asking nosy neighbors to look out for the house are all good ways to deter potential burglars.
3. Burglars do not want to deal with an active neighborhood watch
Burglars don’t want to deal with an active neighborhood watch because they don’t want to be seen or caught in the act. Burglars are more likely to target a home without an alarm system and without visible security cameras. They also want to avoid homes with visible lighting, motion sensors, and doorbell cameras.
An active neighborhood watch also creates an environment that is more likely to have people out walking around, making it more difficult for burglars to enter and exit undetected.
Additionally, an active neighborhood watch may increase the chances of someone noticing suspicious behavior and calling the police, which could lead to an arrest. Finally, an active neighborhood watch may lead to increased communication among neighbors, making it more difficult for a burglar to target a particular house without being noticed.
4. Burglars do not want to deal with an attentive homeowner
The benefit of being attentive to a homeowner’s needs by burglars is that it serves as a powerful deterrent to break-ins. Through the comprehensive study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, researchers found that 60% of convicted burglars would look for security cameras before attempting a break-in, and 40% of burglars said that the presence of security cameras would motivate them to seek another easier target.
Installing security cameras and other security systems features, such as doorbell cameras, lighting, alarms, and other deterrents, can help protect a homeowner from break-ins. Burglars don’t want to be caught in the act and are more likely to avoid a house with visible security features.
Additionally, having nosy neighbors and making it seem like someone is home when they are away through the use of lights and other noises are also effective ways to deter burglars. By being attentive to a homeowner’s needs, burglars can be successfully deterred and the potential of a break-in can be greatly reduced.
5. Burglars do not want to be caught off guard by an intruder alert system
It is important for burglars not to be caught off guard by an intruder alert system because these systems act as a major deterrent against crime. Burglary is a serious crime with an estimated 1,401,840 cases in 2017 alone, and a successful burglary can mean a major loss for the victim.
It is in the criminals’ best interest to avoid detection if they want to succeed in their crimes. Doorbell cameras, lighting, alarms, and other security system features make it difficult for burglars to enter a home undetected, and this is why many criminals opt to look for an easier target instead.
Studies have shown that 25 percent of criminals surveyed would walk away from a home with security system signs on the property with no further investigation. Therefore, it is essential for burglars not to be caught off guard by intruder alert systems if they want to be successful in their crimes.
6. Burglars do not want to have to deal with a dog in the house
Burglars don’t want to have to deal with an American flag, a big or small barking dog, security cameras, doorbell cameras, home security systems with intrusion sensors, lights on in the house, the sound of a television, or a garage door that is closed.
They also don’t want to know their face has been captured by a camera. By having these deterrents, burglars are more likely to move on to another target.
7. Burglars do not want to be caught off guard by a smart home security system like a smart doorbell
Burglars do not want to be caught off guard by a smart home security system, so they typically look for easy targets that won’t draw attention. Visible and easily accessible doorbell cameras, security cameras, lighting, and alarms can act as a big deterrent for burglars.
They don’t want to be seen or recorded in the act, and they don’t want to know that their face has been captured. Additionally, smart home security systems can alert you at the first sign of an intruder, and provide professional 24/7 monitoring to help prevent break-ins.
Other things that burglars may not want to be caught off guard by are our sturdy window and door locks, outdoor lights to illuminate paths to home entryways, and ADT or SimpliSafe yard signs that falsely suggest the presence of a system.
FAQ
How effective are video doorbell cameras in deterring burglars?
Video doorbell cameras can be a powerful security tool for deterring burglars. Studies have shown that security cameras are effective in reducing crime, as burglars typically avoid homes with security cameras and leave immediately if an alarm is triggered. For example, a KTVB7 survey of 86 inmates found that most of them would leave immediately if an alarm went off.
A study from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service also found that CCTV cameras are more effective when paired with other elements such as lighting, and a survey from the UNC Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology found that 60% of burglars would avoid homes with security cameras.
However, there are not currently any hard-hitting statistics on how doorbell cameras specifically have affected the overall crime rate. Nevertheless, doorbell cameras are very similar to outdoor cameras and can provide many of the same features, such as the ability to view footage remotely and record high-definition footage in real-time.
Furthermore, doorbell cameras can be combined with other smart home technology to provide a range of other benefits for homeowners, such as peace of mind, convenience, and most importantly, the ability to deter, detect, and prevent crime. Ultimately, video doorbell cameras can be an effective tool in deterring burglars.
Does having a Ring Doorbell deter burglars?
The evidence is clear: having a Ring doorbell can have a positive effect on crime prevention. Research conducted by Cranfield University has revealed that having a smart doorbell can act as an effective ‘affluence cue’, suggesting a certain level of wealth and expense within the home. This could be a deterrent for criminals, who would likely avoid houses with a visible security system.
Are video doorbells a good deterrent?
Are video doorbells a good deterrent against burglary and other criminal activities? The answer is yes, as they can provide an extra layer of security to our homes, offer two-way audio features and allow us to talk to potential intruders.
Doorbells such as the Lorex Doorbell Camera and the Vivint Doorbell Camera are equipped with high-definition resolution and DIY setup, making them incredibly easy to install, and hence, making them a viable solution for homeowners who are looking for an affordable way to bolster their home security.
Do video doorbells attract burglars?
Burglars are typically looking for an easy target, somewhere that they can get in and out of without getting caught. Doorbell cameras, lighting, alarms, and other security system features act as a big deterrence since burglars don’t want to know their face has been captured by a camera.
Smart doorbells, which allow homeowners to see people approaching their home on a video link, have become more popular in recent years and research suggests that households with smart doorbells could be more targeted by intruders as it gives the impression of affluence.
Do burglars care about cameras?
Do burglars care about cameras? It is clear from the evidence that security cameras can be an effective deterrent for burglars. Studies from the UNC Charlotte of Criminal Justice and the Electronic Security Association have shown that 60% of convicted burglars would look for security cameras before moving forward and 40% of burglars reported that the presence of security cameras would motivate them to seek an easier target.
In addition, an interview with inmates serving time for burglary at the Oregon Department of Corrections concluded that cameras make burglars think twice about their actions.
Clearly, security cameras can be an effective deterrent for burglars. Having visible security cameras outside a home or business can be an immediate deterrent for potential burglars, as they are less likely to risk getting caught if they can easily identify the presence of a camera.
Furthermore, having a “video surveillance in use 24/7” sign can also be a successful deterrent. Security cameras are not only a preventative measure, but they can also be used to identify suspects and provide evidence to law enforcement if a crime is committed.
In conclusion, security cameras can be an effective tool in reducing burglary and other crimes. Although they may not be a complete solution, they serve as an important layer of security for any home or business. Furthermore, having visible security cameras and signs can be an immediate deterrent for potential criminals.
