Considering a home security camera, but not sure it actually helps deter burglars? Here’s what one former thief has to say.
Smart home security devices are a great tool for protecting your property when you’re not around. More affordable than traditional CCTV systems, they can be self-installed and ensure you can view a live feed from the camera through your smartphone even when you’re not at home. It’s clear consumers really do believe the best home security cameras and the best video doorbells are an essential tool when it comes to deterring burglars – one in five US homes has a home security camera installed, according to security site Safety.com’s recent home protection survey. But can these cameras really stop you getting burgled? We spoke to a former thief to find out his take on whether self-installed cameras really do mean a burglar is less likely to target your home. If you’re certain you want to get your hands on the best home security cameras now, rather than read on for a burglar’s opinion, then check out these great deals for some of the best on the market. As far as Luke Harris, a former burglar-turned-security-consultant at smart alarm firm Boundary, is concerned, home security cameras really do make thieves think twice before breaking into your property. “In a burglar’s mind, when they are scoping out a property, they want to be in and out as quickly as they can, with as little chance of getting caught as possible. This means that any visual or physical deterrent – whether it be outdoor lighting, a security camera, or a visible alarm – can put them off,” Harris told TechRadar. Harris was just 12 years old when he started breaking into his neighbors’ houses to steal cigarettes. Having been kicked out the family home at 15, his descent into criminal activity continued, as he regularly committed burglaries, until at 26 he decided he had enough He took a job as a kitchen porter and worked his way up to chef, but when the pandemic struck, he lost his job. In September 2020, Harris saw a plea from Boundry for a reformed burglar to act as a security consultant and stress test the firm’s new security systems.
