Poor camera positioning is the most common mistake we see in home CCTV systems. Learn where to place your cameras for complete, reliable coverage of your property.
Camera placement is the single most important factor determining whether your CCTV system actually works when you need it. A poorly positioned camera can miss critical footage entirely, capture unusable images, or create dangerous blind spots that an intruder can exploit. After installing thousands of systems across Derbyshire, we have seen every placement mistake imaginable — and we want to help you avoid them.
The front door is priority number one. A surprising number of break-ins occur through the front door — it is the most obvious and often the least protected entry point. Your front door camera should be positioned at head height, approximately 2.2 metres, angled slightly downward to capture faces clearly. Avoid placing it directly above a bright porch light, as this will cause lens flare and wash out the image. If possible, position it to the side of the door rather than directly above it.
The driveway and front garden require coverage from two angles where possible. A single camera mounted on the front wall will capture vehicles entering but may miss activity at the edges. We recommend one camera covering the driveway entrance from the house and, where possible, a second camera at a different angle covering the approach. For homes in Alfreton or Heanor with long driveways, consider a camera at the property boundary as well.
Rear gardens and back doors are frequently neglected but critically important. Burglars often target rear access because it offers more privacy. A camera covering the rear door should be positioned high enough to avoid tampering but low enough to capture faces — around 2.5 metres is ideal. For larger gardens in Matlock or Belper, two cameras with overlapping coverage eliminate blind spots behind sheds, trees, or extensions.
Side passages and alleyways are the most common blind spots we identify during site surveys. These narrow, often dark spaces provide perfect cover for intruders. A camera positioned at each end of a side passage, or at minimum covering the access point from the street, is essential. For terraced homes in Ilkeston or Ripley with shared passages, ensure your camera covers only your property to respect neighbour privacy.
Internal cameras deserve consideration for specific scenarios. A camera covering the main hallway captures anyone moving through the house and is particularly valuable for families who employ cleaners, childminders, or tradespeople. Garage and shed coverage protects tools, bikes, and garden equipment. And for homeowners with pets, an internal camera lets you check on your animals during the day — one of the most popular features our Chesterfield customers request.