Security12.08.2024

Must-have home security gadget that trumps electric fences

A top private security company in Pretoria has advised that smart cameras are among the most effective tools for protecting homes and businesses against robbers, burglars, and other criminals.

Bull Security operations manager French Jooste recently told MyBroadband that using electric fencing as the main line of defence against intruders has grown out of fashion.

Instead, Jooste said that installing smart cameras with a view of perimeter walls and gates had become a “no-brainer” for enhancing security.

South African consumers can buy a range of new smart home cameras they can manage themselves, but these should ideally be able to link up with a private security company’s control room.

This allows armed personnel to respond quickly if an intrusion or attempted intrusion is detected.

Bull uses software from South African company AVLytics to enable AI detection capability on many older cameras it oversees — including CIF models with resolutions of just 352×288.

While CCTV cameras have been popular for a long time, without AI detection they would have to be monitored at just the right time by a dedicated guard or control room to catch criminals in the act.

For personal users, their benefit was primarily in collecting evidence or information after an incident had occurred.

The AI software in smart cameras makes them capable of detecting a person or potentially significant event within their viewing areas.

They can also link to a mobile app, allowing users to view detected events easily and quickly.

Cameras that can rotate or pivot are also able to follow people as they move, greatly expanding their viewing areas.

Smart cameras vs electric fences and beams

As an additional line of defence, smart cameras offer several benefits over electric fencing and beam alarm systems.

Firstly, because they can record potential events quickly and allow users and security companies to check video feeds in real-time, they help avoid spending time and resources reacting to false alarms.

In cases where homeowners use security companies, responses to false alarms due to branches or animals triggering electric fencing or beams can come with a callout fee.

Secondly, properly-placed cameras provide a clear view of the actions of criminals — including at night.

This enables residents and security companies to react based on a specific situation instead of trying to guess where an intruder is or what they are doing.

If placed strategically, the cameras can also be more difficult to bypass or avoid.

They also require very little maintenance, primarily just cleaning lenses every few months, whereas electric fences must be checked regularly.

Lastly, smart home cameras are not restricted to monitoring of criminals. They can also help a great deal in checking in to see if pets or loved one safe while away from home.

A Ring doorbell camera is one example of smart camera. Editorial credit: BrandonKleinPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Numerous high-quality models on the market

Choosing a particular smart camera can be difficult as the market is flooded with numerous options of varying quality.

If you use a particular security company, you should consult with them first for recommendations on models compatible with their systems.

Some of the most well-known and generally reliable brands on the market include Blink, EZVIZ, Nest, Ring, Tapo (TP-Link), Wyze, and Xiaomi.

One important factor in ensuring that your camera can operate optimally is that it is within range of a Wi-Fi router with a strong Internet connection.

Video requires a lot of bandwidth, and the cameras will not function properly if they cannot communicate effectively.

Secondly, you should consider how you will power the cameras.

The ideal positions for the best angles might not be reachable without installing additional electric cabling.

In these cases, you should consider a wire-free model with a rechargeable or removable built-in battery pack.

The camera resolution might also be important if you plan to cover a large surveillance area.

Finally, you should also research the smart camera’s mobile app to ensure it offers sufficient features for your needs, including setting schedules during which the camera and event notifications should be turned on or off.

Below are five outdoor smart cameras with built-in batteries available from reputable online stores in South Africa.