Thinking about installing CCTV cameras around your home but not sure where to put them for the best coverage?
Here is the short answer: you need to focus on every entry point; front door, back door, side gates, garage, driveway, and any ground-floor windows. These are the spots burglars actually use. Get these covered properly, and you will have a security system that actually works when you need it most.
Key Takeaways
- Front doors are the number one entry point for burglars, start here
- Back doors and sliding glass doors are just as vulnerable as the front
- Side gates and alleyways are common access paths that most people forget
- Garages and driveways hold valuable vehicles and tools and they are entry points too
- Ground-floor windows need coverage, especially ones hidden from street view
- Mount cameras 2.4 to 3 metres high for the best facial capture
- In Australia, you can film your own property but not areas where others have privacy
Which Entry Points Should I Cover First with CCTV Cameras?
The front door is where you start. It is the most common entry point for burglars, and it is also where most people approach your home. A camera here captures faces clearly and acts as a strong visual deterrent.
But do not stop at the front door. Back doors and sliding glass doors account for around 22% of break-in entries. These are often more secluded and easier for intruders to access without being seen. A camera covering your rear entrance is just as important as one at the front.
Side gates and alleyways are another access path that many homeowners overlook. If someone can walk down the side of your house to reach the backyard, that is a vulnerability. Put a camera there to cover that path.
The key principle is simple: every door and gate that leads into your home needs coverage.
Why Should I Put Cameras on My Garage and Driveway?
Garages and driveways are high-value targets. Your car, tools, bikes, and other expensive items are often stored here. Burglars know this.
A camera covering your driveway should capture the entire width of the driveway, not just a narrow angle. This way, you get clear footage of vehicles entering and leaving, and you can capture number plates if needed.
Above the garage door is an excellent spot for a camera. It gives you a wide view of the driveway and the front of your property. It is also high enough to be out of reach but low enough to capture clear faces.
If you have a shed or outbuilding, cover that too. These structures often hold valuable equipment and are sometimes easier targets than the main house.
What Are the Best Camera Spots for Ground-Floor Windows and Backyard Areas?
Ground-floor windows are entry points that many people forget. If a window is hidden from the street or tucked around the side of the house, it is a prime target. A camera covering these windows gives you early warning if someone tries to force them open.
Your backyard and patio areas need coverage too. These spaces are often where people relax and entertain, and they can hold expensive outdoor furniture, barbecues, and other items. More importantly, the backyard is usually the quietest part of the property, making it attractive to intruders.
For Australian homes, the smartest placement usually covers the front door, driveway, side gate, and rear entry points. These five spots give you the most protection for the least number of cameras.
Understanding how burglars choose homes to target can help you think like they do, so you can stay one step ahead and make your property look like too much hassle.
Is It Worth Installing CCTV Cameras Inside My Home Too?
Yes, indoor cameras add another layer of protection. The best indoor spots are main living areas, hallways, and stairways.
Living rooms and kitchens are high-traffic areas where you are most likely to capture clear footage of anyone inside. Hallways and stairways are natural chokepoints anyone moving through your home has to pass through them.
If you have a home office, safe, or room with expensive electronics, put a camera there too. These are high-value targets that burglars specifically look for.
Place indoor cameras in corners at about 2 to 2.3 metres high for the best view. This height gives you a wide angle without being too obvious.
What Is the Best Height to Install Security Cameras for Clear Faces?
Mount outdoor cameras between 2.4 and 3 metres high (roughly 8 to 10 feet). This height keeps them out of reach of tampering while still capturing clear facial images.
Angle the cameras slightly downward to reduce glare from the sun or streetlights. Avoid pointing cameras directly at bright light sources, it washes out the image and makes identification difficult.
For indoor cameras, 2 to 2.3 metres is usually sufficient. This is high enough for a good view but low enough to capture faces clearly.
Quick Comparison: Outdoor vs Indoor Camera Placement
Location | Mounting Height | Best For |
Front door | 2.4 – 3m | Face identification, package monitoring |
Driveway (side mount) | 2.4 – 3m | Vehicle and number plate capture |
Backyard / rear door | 2.4 – 3m | General coverage, entry monitoring |
Indoor living areas | 2 – 2.3m | Activity monitoring, facial capture |
What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make with CCTV Placement?
The biggest mistake is not covering all entry points. Many people put a camera at the front door and call it done. But burglars do not always use the front door, they check side gates, back doors, and windows too.
Another common error is mounting cameras too high. If a camera is above 3 metres, you lose the ability to capture clear facial features. The ideal range is 2.4 to 3 metres.
Pointing cameras directly at sunlight is another mistake. It creates glare and ruins the image quality.
Forgetting about blind spots is also common. Before settling on a position, check that the camera will pick up all angles. Walk around your property and think like an intruder, where would you try to get in?
Finally, not considering privacy. In Australia, you can film your own property; front doors, driveways, entry points but not areas where others have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Ready to Secure Your Home?
Installing CCTV cameras is one of the smartest investments you can make for your family’s safety and peace of mind. The right placement makes all the difference and we are here to help you get it right.
Whether you need a simple system or a fully integrated security setup, contact our team at CGF Security for a free consultation. We will assess your property, recommend the best camera positions, and install a system that actually protects what matters most.
Get in touch with us, we would love to help you sleep better at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homes need between four and six cameras: one for the front door, one for the back door, one for the driveway or garage, one for the side gate, and one or two for ground-floor windows or backyard areas. The exact number depends on your property layout.
In most situations, wired cameras are the superior option. They record 24/7, they cannot be hacked as easily, and they continue working if the internet fails. CGF Security recommends wired systems for the most reliable protection.
Yes, our installed security systems are designed to be online 24/7 with battery backup in case the power goes out. We also offer 4G/5G communication options if you have issues with your landline.
Yes. Most of our systems come with live streaming capability. You can log into your phone and monitor your home or business whenever you like.
