How to Find Security Camera Blind Spots (And Fix Them)
Wired
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Learning how to find security camera blind spots is the first step to protecting your business. Blind spots are areas your cameras can't see. These gaps leave your property open to theft, vandalism, and break-ins.
The good news? Finding and fixing blind spots is easier than you think. This guide shows you exactly how to spot coverage gaps and close them for good.
What Are Security Camera Blind Spots?
A blind spot is any area your camera can't record. Every camera has limits on what it can see. The lens angle, camera position, and physical barriers all create gaps in coverage.
Think about it this way. Your camera sees like a flashlight beam. Everything inside that beam is visible. However, everything outside the beam stays hidden.
Common blind spots include:
- Areas directly below or beside cameras
- Corners and tight spaces
- Spots blocked by walls, shelves, or equipment
- Entry points at weird angles
- Loading docks and back entrances
Why Security Camera Blind Spots Matter
Criminals look for blind spots before they act. They watch your property and learn where your cameras point. Then they use those gaps to steal, vandalize, or break in without getting caught.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, businesses lose billions of dollars to burglary and theft each year. Research shows that 83% of burglars check for security systems before attempting a break-in. But even the best cameras can't help if they're not covering the right areas.
Even one blind spot can cause big problems. For example, a thief might slip through an unmonitored back door. Or an employee might take cash from a register that no camera can see.
Additionally, blind spots hurt your insurance claims. Without video proof, you can't prove what happened. This makes it harder to recover losses or catch the person responsible.
How to Find Security Camera Blind Spots at Your Business
Finding your blind spots takes a little detective work. Here's a simple process you can follow today.
Step 1: Walk the Property
Start by walking through your entire property. Look at every entrance, exit, window, and corner. Write down each spot where valuable items sit or where people come and go.
Pay special attention to:
- Cash registers and safes
- Inventory storage areas
- Server rooms and equipment
- Employee break rooms
- Parking lots and loading zones
Step 2: Check Your Camera Views
Next, sit down at your monitoring station. Pull up each camera feed one by one. Compare what you see on screen to your list of important areas.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Can I see every entrance clearly?
- Are there dark corners the camera misses?
- Do shelves or signs block the view?
- Can I identify faces at each entry point?
Mark any area that doesn't show up on your screens. These are your blind spots.
Step 3: Do the Walk Test
This is the best way to find hidden blind spots. Have someone watch your monitors while you walk around the property. Move slowly through every area.
The person watching should tell you when you disappear from view. Stop and mark those spots on a map. These are the exact places where criminals could hide.
Furthermore, try this test at different times of day. Sunlight and shadows can create blind spots that only appear at certain hours.
Step 4: Think Like a Criminal
Ask yourself where you would hide if you wanted to break in. Look for spots where someone could crouch, climb, or sneak past cameras.
Check these often-missed areas:
- Behind dumpsters and HVAC units
- Under stairwells and overhangs
- Between parked vehicles
- Rooftop access points
- Fence lines and property edges
How to Fix Security Camera Blind Spots
Once you find your blind spots, it's time to close them. Here are the most effective solutions.
Adjust Your Current Cameras
Sometimes a simple adjustment fixes the problem. Try tilting or rotating your existing cameras to cover more area. Even a small change can eliminate a blind spot.
Also, check if anything is blocking your camera's view. Move signs, plants, or boxes that crept into the frame over time.
Add More Cameras
Some blind spots need extra cameras. This is especially true for large properties or buildings with complex layouts.
Consider adding cameras in these locations:
- Corners where two walls meet
- Secondary entrances and fire exits
- Hallways and connecting passages
- Outdoor areas like parking lots
If you're not sure how many cameras you need, check out our security camera installation services for expert guidance.
Upgrade to Wide-Angle Lenses
Wide-angle cameras see more area with a single lens. They work great for covering large spaces like warehouses, showrooms, or parking lots.
However, keep in mind that wide-angle views show less detail at a distance. You may need a mix of wide-angle and standard cameras for full protection.
Install PTZ Cameras
PTZ stands for pan, tilt, and zoom. These cameras can move and follow action across a wide area. They're perfect for covering large spaces with fewer cameras.
PTZ cameras can also zoom in on suspicious activity. This gives you clear footage for identifying faces or license plates.
Use Overlapping Coverage
Professional security systems use overlapping camera views. This means each camera's field of view slightly overlaps with the next one. As a result, there are no gaps between coverage areas.
Overlapping coverage also provides backup. If one camera fails, another camera still captures the area.
Tips for Ongoing Blind Spot Prevention
Finding blind spots isn't a one-time job. Your property changes over time, and new blind spots can appear. Follow these tips to stay protected.
- Review footage weekly. Watch recordings from different cameras to make sure everything looks right.
- Check cameras after any changes. New furniture, equipment, or landscaping can create blind spots.
- Clean your cameras regularly. Dirt, dust, and spider webs can block the view.
- Test your system quarterly. Do the walk test every few months to catch new problems.
- Get a professional audit annually. Security experts can spot issues you might miss.
When to Call a Professional
DIY blind spot checks work well for simple setups. But some situations need professional help.
Call a security professional if you:
- Have a large or complex property
- Recently experienced a break-in
- Need to meet insurance or compliance requirements
- Want to integrate cameras with access control
- Can't figure out how to cover certain areas
A professional installer knows exactly where to place cameras for complete coverage. They also understand the technical details like lens angles, mounting heights, and lighting conditions.
Protect Your Business With Complete Coverage
Now you know how to find security camera blind spots and fix them. Start with a property walk-through, check your camera views, and do the walk test. Then adjust, add, or upgrade cameras as needed.
Don't leave your business vulnerable to gaps in coverage. Every blind spot is an invitation for trouble.
Need help identifying blind spots at your Albuquerque business? Wired provides free security assessments and expert camera installation. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
