As spy equipment and surveillance cameras become more and more popular today, so do the many myths surrounding them.
One can never be too careful when implementing proper security in their homes, and protecting your family is the number one priority, no matter the cost.
However, there are many misconceptions about spy equipment and surveillance systems that somehow still circle around the web. Luckily, properly informing yourself and finding the right security surveillance system has never been easier than it is now.
The Benefits of Spy Equipment and Surveillance Systems
There’s a reason why most households and residences go for security cameras.
Security comes first, whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner. U.S. citizens are convinced that the home invasion crime rate is increasing, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This is not the case, because statistics show that it’s actually declining for both property-related crimes as well as violent crimes.
However, this does NOT mean that home surveillance devices are obsolete though.
To ensure proper protection, having a surveillance system and hidden cameras on your premises will give you 24/7 safety.
A properly installed, real-time hidden security camera system offers you monitoring directly from your laptop or smartphone you can access any time, anywhere. Once a crime or suspicious activity comes around the corner, you can use the video surveillance tape as evidence, granted there are no witnesses at the scene.
Besides security and home safety, spy equipment can be used for many other things like preventing or recording bullying and harassment, watching on your elderly, recording an interview, and even catching cheating spouses.
However, there are still many myths and misconceptions about spy equipment. Many people are shockingly misinformed about the features, uses, and the general purpose of security cameras.
Below we will explain and debunk the most popular myths about spy equipment and security surveillance, so let’s begin.
1. Anyone Can Install Security Systems
Some might consider taking matters into their own hands and go full DIY. But it’s not that easy (unless you’re making a DIY nanny camera, then there are options).
Anyone who has had some experience with wiring and software could try and install the surveillance system themselves. However, it’s better to leave it to the experts and retail technicians to do the installing and wiring.
CCTV specialists, surveillance technicians, and the retail service are here for a reason. There are many surveillance systems that rely on their own unique wiring, and that requires experienced maintenance workers who are used to their own manual, their own reliable methods, and installation steps. They’ll make sure that the wires, cameras, parts, and software are properly set up.
Sure, there is some spy equipment that requires no wiring or an electrician’s knowledge. Most spy equipment cameras have user-friendly manuals. Hidden cameras or internet cameras that aren’t dependent on wiring are pretty straightforward and really easy to install.
This is why we recommend consulting your retailers when it comes to installing the security system.
2. Surveillance Systems Are Expensive or Inaccessible
This myth is most likely owed to the extravagant portrayal of spy equipment in Hollywood movies. Many people can’t even consider buying a spy camera or an audio recording device. They believe that any spy equipment is either hard to find, or will burn a hole in their pocket.
Today’s technology standards have changed over these last 20 years. Yes, there are retailers who place state-of-the-art, high-maintenance spy equipment with all kinds of features. Usually, these devices fall into the hands of professionals like private investigators or undercover NSA operatives.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t find proper spying devices on the internet.
Spy equipment is not at all inaccessible, and there are ingenious and efficient cameras that you can find for $50 or $300 for example, depending on what you really need. People seem to easily associate the complexity of spy technology and jump to conclusions that all those features reflect the price. This can’t be further than the truth.
Specifically, at SpyGuy, we offer cost-effective and practical solutions for your spy equipment and surveillance security needs.
What Type of Spy Equipment Can Be Found at SpyGuy?
We have many different devices with all kinds of uses. From audio surveillance and recording gadgets and hidden cameras, to bug detectors and GPS tracking devices, we offer the most efficient and cost-effective devices for those of you who like straight-forward solutions with no fancy additional features that could burn a hole in someone’s pocket.
Our spy equipment revolves around the element of stealth and our devices are designed as everyday objects not to attract unwanted attention and remain as undetected as possible, without manufacturing them in an overkill fashion with over the top features that we’ll rarely use.
Most of our customers prefer to use our gadgets to battle workplace harassment, record their conversations, track their vehicle fleets for their companies, and many other situations that we’re aware of.
3. The Property Is Too Old or Unfit for a Security System
We found some weird comments and reviews on forums stating that their property might be with inappropriate property value and that their home is too old and rickety for a security system installation.
These people associate spy equipment and surveillance systems with smart homes. The kinds of homes where the security system is deeply intertwined with the household and premises, with software locks on the doors and such.
You won’t need a fancy wiring installation into your home if you’re planning to buy a regular CCTV camera or a spy cam like the ones we have at SpyGuy. At least 90% of the time you won’t need to do that. Simply consult your retailer and explain to them your situation. They may require further info on the general state of your home.
There are many battery-powered cameras that might do the job for you, so you won’t even need CCTV cameras or other wired cameras of the like.
4. Surveillance Systems Can’t Prevent Thieves or Intruders
While this may be technically true, having a clear footage of the act is more than enough to take the correct action and make the most of the situation.
Since boobytraps and “home alone” style trap doors are illegal, having a proper surveillance system to watch over your premises is the essential layer of security every home needs.
While there are some security surveillance systems that only record without notifying the owner of intruders, today’s motion-detection cameras and advanced monitoring systems are very popular because of their real-time notification systems.
Such features instantly notify the homeowner about any activity on their property and even before someone gets to the door.
5. You Don’t Need Security Cameras If Your Property Is in a Secure Neighborhood
Don’t fool yourself. Crime happens at any time, any place.
This might not be a myth, but more of a cognitive bias, that most people fool themselves into hoping that they’re the lucky ones. Nice and clean neighborhoods have an alluring atmosphere that lulls its inhabitants into a false sense of security. We’re here to burst that bubble and kill that joy - no neighborhood is completely safe.
Get yourself a nice security system, with hidden cameras and maybe even regular ones, so as to deter any suspicious individuals. You’ll have the extra backup of recordings to present as evidence. If you’re a business owner, this is absolutely obligatory.
Additionally, if you have a CCTV cam system that dates from the early 90s, do yourself a favor and update your system immediately. A jumbled, low-quality, grainy video surveillance tape is just barely regarded as evidence.
6. The Police Are Too Slow to Catch the Burglar
One more thing we would like to mention. If the unspeakable happens, you really want to have a good quality surveillance tape to present the police to.
Some might think that police response times are too slow and believe that there’s no use for surveillance cams. So, they blame the police precinct for being incompetent.
Even if the intruder flees the scene, you have video evidence of the intruder. If the tight criteria matches, the police will be able to find them.
7. Hidden Cameras Record Low Quality Footage
There are some who think that hidden cameras provide a very grainy or jumbled footage of loiterers and other activities. Some strongly believe that such surveillance cameras are just not enough to capture and identify a certain individual, or that the quality of the recording is unsatisfactory.
This is false.
As of today, hidden cameras and video surveillance devices have gone through a lot of upgrades and have advanced to the point where they offer high-quality footage.
What most would think that hidden cameras provide grainy, black, and white footages like in a 90s crime movie is simply untrue. It’s just another misconception, recycled from the internet to scare people from ever considering buying a hidden camera.
8. Surveillance Cameras Are Only Good for Scaring off Criminals
That’s what they want you to think, anyway.
This is also some sort of bias, as most people believe the cameras are fake once they see one. This myth just doesn’t seem to die.
Many businesses, as well, don’t seem to invest in proper surveillance cameras simply because they believe it’s just faux security, designed to frighten intruders.
Sure, it’s one of the surveillance camera’s purposes, yes. But, that doesn’t mean all of the surveillance cameras and CCTV cams rely on scarecrow methods.
Having a camera offers you sight on:
- Those darn doorbell prank kids
- Mail/package theft protection
- Trash day monitoring
- And, of course, intruder identification
Having a camera lets you have peace of mind. Whatever the case may be, a proper surveillance camera has its own purposes and uses you’ll find along the way, be it inside, outside, hidden, or visible. Although, surveillance ought to be within legal boundaries.
Surveillance and spying are closely related to privacy and consent. It’s very important for a homeowner to be informed on the legal issues regarding spy equipment and security surveillance devices. For more on the legal issues regarding spy equipment, please read our guide.
9. “I Don’t Need No Fancy Cameras, I Have My Trusty Locks to Keep Me Safe!” (Any Ol’ Camera Will Do the Job)
You have another thing coming if you believe that you don’t need a security camera just because you have locks.
Security cameras have a solid purpose to protect your premises, and to offer video recording evidence in case something happens. Otherwise, you’ll have to keep your eyes forever watching through the keyhole. This isn’t some Alfred Hitchcock flick.
Do yourself a favor and install a security camera to watch over your porch. We strongly recommend considering the night-vision feature, as it might add an extra layer to your home security.
10. Spies Drive Fancy Cars
Last but not least, we’ll talk about the misconception about private investigators and government agents.
People seem to believe that spy equipment (and this includes cars) is only accessible to big-shots and private investigators who are rich. All thanks to pop-culture, many people think spies, private investigators, undercover CIA operatives, and special agents lead a luxurious lifestyle. This can’t be farther from the truth.
The essence of spies and spy equipment is discretion. Private investigators drive the most inconspicuous cars, and really need the element of covert action in order to conduct their investigation without delay.
Find the Spy Cam That Fits Your Needs: Ask For Professional Help
Before purchasing anything, you must consult your retail expert technician to ensure that you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Hiring technicians to install the cameras or to consult with when buying security surveillance is absolutely essential.
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us at any time. We feel that you might have a lot of questions regarding spy equipment. What’s more, we will update you on the latest features, share some very important tips and tricks you didn’t know, and recommend spy equipment suitable to your needs.
Be sure to browse and read our articles on spy cams and other products. Some might catch your interest.
For more inquiries, please reach out to us via the contact us page and we will be happy to assist you with any other questions you may have.
