Home security doesn’t have to begin with a complicated fleet of cameras or multidevice security kit (although I’ve found some very good ones). When I looked into the data around the effects of security cams, I was pleasantly surprised to find only a single home security camera or a device such as a video doorbell has a big impact — and that’s coming from burglars themselves.

The best study on the subject, titled “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective,” was conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, along with other colleges and organizations, including the Electronic Security Association, offering support. This project interviewed over 400 burglars to learn more about their habits and motives.

One finding caught my eye: The majority of burglars said they considered warning signs when selecting a target and specifically called out not only alarm signage but also outdoor cameras, surveillance equipment and increased security in general. Overall, 83% of interviewees said they tried to find out if the home they were targeting had a security alarm, and 60% said they would choose another if they noticed the alarm (down to 50% if they noticed an alarm halfway through breaking-in).

While the questions specified a security alarm, I think today’s outdoor security cameras and video doorbells — with their lights, sirens, audio and alerts — qualify. Most burglars are aware of how only a single device can give them away.

However, note that it’s important that the doorbell or camera be visible. Research confirms that burglars need to notice the security device for it to prevent crime, so think twice before hiding cameras.

Read more: We Asked a Criminologist About the Habits of Burglars

Other statistics back up these findings

It’s difficult to find high-quality studies on the effects of home security devices because accounting for variables and measuring residential property crime can be very challenging. Most studies in this area focus on commercial camera systems, like city CCTVs, which is less useful for people buying security equipment.

One additional standout study, called “Public Area CCTV and Crime Prevention: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis,” showed noticeable reductions in general areas but a large 51% drop in crime when cameras were added to car parks and lots. I like this particular research because searching out parked vehicles to look for easy, lucrative break-ins is similar to burglars scouring a residential neighborhood, so related effects are likely.

And if you want to go back further in time, a study examined England and Wales crime rates in the 1990s when household security devices were growing more common. The study found even basic security upgrades, like proper lighting, decreased the chance of burglary, while seemingly increasing the chance of burglary for homes that didn’t have any precautions.

Remember, today’s cams are better than ever

Here’s a big caveat: Most of these studies are a decade old or more. But that could work in your favor because today’s security cameras have grown far more advanced, including human recognition, better accuracy, two-way audio and faster alerts right to your phone so you can take immediate action.

I’d like to see newer studies about the impact of advanced cameras on burglar decisions, but in general, the data still shows the trend. One security device capable of alerting owners or responders has a highly significant impact on reducing the chance of crime and stopping break-ins before they begin.

Keep in mind, as security devices have become more high-tech, so have burglars’ responses, including spying with cameras of their own and even attempting to use Wi-Fi jammers to cut off cameras. Those methods don’t really work against high-quality security from the best brands, but it’s always helpful to be aware of current risks.

Tyler Lacoma

Editor / Home Security and Smart Home

Tyler has worked on, lived with and tested all types of smart home and security technology for over a dozen years, explaining the latest features, privacy tricks, and top recommendations.

With degrees in Business Management, Literature and Technical Writing, Tyler takes every opportunity to play with the latest AI technology, push smart devices to their limits and occasionally throw cameras off his roof, all to find the best devices to trust in your life. He always checks with the renters (and pets) in his life to see what smart products can work for everyone, in every living situation.

Living in beautiful Bend, Oregon gives Tyler plenty of opportunities to test the latest tech in every kind of weather and temperature. But when not at work, he can be found hiking the trails, trying out a new food recipe for his loved ones, keeping up on his favorite reading, or gaming with good friends.

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