Burglaries are prevalent and costly crimes throughout the United States, with recent statistics from the FBI underscoring the vital need for effective deterrents to protect homes from these unwelcome intrusions.

According to the agency: Nationwide, there were more than 1.2 million burglaries in 2018—one every 25.7 seconds—with victims suffering an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses, or an average of $2,799 per offense.

Most burglars scope out the perimeter of their intended target to find the best entry point.

Outdoor security cameras are therefore practical, effective solutions to stopping intrusions before they happen, with continuous monitoring and real-time alerts to safeguard your loved ones and home.

Here are several tips on what you’ll need and how you can install outdoor security cameras to optimize your home surveillance:

Gather Necessary Equipment

Whether your camera was purchased separately or as part of a complete system, you’ll need specific mounting and connectivity tools, including:

BNC or Category 5e Cables
Mounting Kit
Power Adapter/Receiver
Video Amplifiers & Splitters—for More Than One Camera
Screwdrivers & Drills
Ladder