Introduction
“Will a security camera actually stop a burglar, or just record them stealing my stuff?”
It’s a fair question—and the answer is more nuanced than either “yes” or “no.” Research shows that visible security cameras do deter most burglars, but not all. In this guide, we’ll break down what the data actually shows, explain why cameras work, and discuss when they’re most (and least) effective.
What the Research Shows
Global Criminology Studies
Multiple international studies have examined camera effectiveness:
UK Crime Survey (Home Office, 2021)
- Homes with visible security cameras experience 60–70% fewer attempted break-ins
- Burglars actively avoid homes with visible CCTV
- Combined with alarm systems, deterrence jumps to 85%+
Australian Institute of Criminology (2020)
- Visible cameras rated as “high deterrent” by 72% of incarcerated burglars surveyed
- Only 19% of burglars would attempt a home with visible CCTV without scouting it first
- Of those who scouted, only 40% would proceed anyway
US Bureau of Justice Statistics (2023)
- Homes with cameras report 40% fewer burglary attempts than homes without
- When combined with alarm system signs, deterrence effect reaches 60%+
New Zealand-Specific Data
NZ-specific burglary deterrence research is limited, but Auckland Police and insurance data provide clues:
NZ Police Insights:
- Visible security measures (alarms, cameras, gates) consistently mentioned as reasons burglars avoid properties
- “Too hard” is most common reason burglars move to next target
- Opportunistic burglars (70%+ of NZ break-ins) are highly deterred by visible security
Insurers’ Experience:
- Properties with professional CCTV report 30–40% fewer claims
- When cameras combined with monitoring, claim frequency drops 50%+
- This reduction is compelling enough that many insurers offer 5–10% premium discounts
Why Cameras Deter Burglars
The Burglar’s Perspective
Understanding criminal decision-making reveals why cameras work:
1. Risk Aversion
Most burglars are risk-averse. They calculate:
- Effort required vs. expected reward
- Risk of identification vs. probability of prosecution
- Easier targets available nearby
Impact of cameras: Risk of identification increases dramatically. Burglars know CCTV footage is admissible in court and leads to prosecution.
2. The “Move On” Principle
Burglars scout multiple properties. When they see a camera, they usually just move on.
Why: If Property A has CCTV and Property B doesn’t, why take the extra risk? The next house is easier.
Statistic: Australian research shows 72% of burglars would skip homes with visible cameras, choosing targets without them instead.
3. Increased Effort
Disabling cameras takes time, skill, and risk:
- Cutting power/cables is obvious
- Defeating modern IP cameras requires technical knowledge
- Destroying cameras creates evidence of premeditation
- Police recognize intentional camera damage as sign of planned crime (worse charge)
4. Professional Burglars Are Different
Importantly, organized/professional burglars are less deterred by cameras. They:
- Scout properties extensively
- Research camera systems in advance
- May disable cameras as part of the crime
- Wear masks and take precautions
Reality check: Professional burglars represent ~10–15% of break-ins; opportunistic burglars represent ~70–85%.
Factors That Make Cameras More Effective
1. Visibility
Highly effective:
- Prominent outdoor cameras, clearly visible from street
- Visible camera signage (“CCTV Protected” signs)
- Camera at eye level (2–2.5 metres high)
- Well-lit camera housing (burglars want to know if it’s real)
Why it matters: Burglars vet targets from the street. If they see CCTV immediately, they’ll move on before approaching closer.
Visibility impact: 60–70% deterrence when cameras are obvious
2. Combined with Alarm System
Alarm + CCTV effectiveness: 80–90% deterrence
Why it works:
- Cameras provide identification risk
- Alarm adds response risk (police will be called)
- Together, they create dual deterrent: both identification and immediate response
For burglars: Breaking into an alarmed/monitored CCTV home is vastly riskier than any other target.
3. 24/7 Visible Monitoring
Additional deterrent: Obvious monitoring adds psychological pressure.
Examples:
- “24/7 Monitoring” signage
- Visible NVR system inside (lights on, equipment visible)
- Monitoring centre stickers/branding
- Live monitoring indication (e.g., “This property monitored by XYZ Security”)
Effectiveness boost: 10–15% additional deterrence
4. Professional System Appearance
Burglars can often distinguish:
- Professional systems (proper mounting, conduit, professional cabling)
- DIY systems (amateur mounting, visible cables, poor installation)
Why it matters: Professional systems are more likely to be:
- Actually functional and recording
- Monitored by professionals
- Backed by support and police integration
Effectiveness boost: Professional-looking systems deter 10–20% more effectively
5. Visible Night Vision
Infrared cameras visible at night (red glow from LEDs) create strong deterrent:
- Demonstrates 24/7 capability
- Suggests footage quality even in darkness
- Creates psychological pressure
Effectiveness boost: 5–10% additional deterrence for IR-equipped cameras
Where Cameras Are LEAST Effective
1. Hidden Cameras
A camera they can’t see doesn’t deter.
Reality: Covert cameras capture excellent evidence, but they don’t prevent break-ins. They’re valuable for post-event investigation but not prevention.
2. Cameras Without Power/Recording
Burglars can often tell if a camera is functional:
- Looking for power cables
- Checking for recording lights
- Testing if dome is warm (functioning IR)
- Recognizing older/non-functional camera models
Dead giveaway: A camera that’s obviously not powered doesn’t deter—it’s worse than no camera because it shows the property tried to have security without maintaining it.
3. Cameras Facing Wrong Direction
A camera pointing at the wall instead of the entry isn’t threatening.
Importance: Proper installation with cameras aimed at actual entry points is critical.
4. Cameras in Dark Locations
If burglars can’t see the camera due to darkness or poor mounting, there’s no deterrent.
Best practice: Cameras should be illuminated or obviously present.
5. Professional/Organized Burglars
As mentioned, ~10–15% of break-ins are by professional criminals who:
- Scout extensively
- Disable cameras deliberately
- Wear disguises or take precautions
- May be part of organized crime rings
For these criminals: CCTV doesn’t deter, but it does provide evidence for prosecution.
Auckland-Specific Deterrence Data
Suburb Risk Analysis
North Shore suburbs vary in burglary rates:
Higher-risk suburbs typically show:
- Fewer visible security systems
- Older housing stock (may lack modern security)
- Higher concentration of rental properties
- More visible high-value items (tools, outdoor equipment)
Implication: Visible cameras provide greater deterrent effect in higher-risk areas.
Seasonal Patterns
Summer deterrence: Less effective
- Burglars assume properties are occupied
- Holiday season brings increased break-in activity
- Visible cameras are still valuable but fewer “easy” targets exist anyway
Winter deterrence: More effective
- Fewer people home during work/school hours
- Burglars assume empty properties are vulnerable
- Visible security becomes more significant factor in target selection
What Happens When Burglars Choose to Proceed Anyway?
Even when cameras don’t prevent break-ins, they’re invaluable:
Evidence Value
4K CCTV footage provides:
- Clear facial identification
- Distinctive features (tattoos, scars, clothing)
- Gait analysis (how they walk)
- Accomplice identification
- Exact sequence of events
- Escape route documentation
Impact: Video evidence increases prosecution likelihood by 40–50%
Insurance Claim Value
Video documentation:
- Proves what was actually stolen
- Eliminates “I can’t remember” disputes
- Shows time of theft
- Supports higher claim values
- Increases claim approval rate to 95%+
Civil Litigation Value
If property damage occurs, video proves:
- Extent of damage
- When damage occurred
- Whether damage was deliberate or accidental
- Negligence (if applicable)
FAQ: Security Camera Deterrence
Would a fake camera deter burglars?
Fake cameras are not recommended. Modern burglars can often spot fake cameras (housing quality, lack of power cables, no infrared). Using fake cameras could create legal liability if a crime occurs afterward—you represented having security you don’t actually have. Spend the extra for real cameras.
Should I hide cameras or make them obvious?
Make them obvious for deterrence. The point is preventing break-ins, not gathering evidence after the fact. Visible cameras deter 60%+ of burglars. Once they’re installed, you might as well get the deterrent benefit.
Do camera stickers/signs work without actual cameras?
Not recommended. If burglars discover the stickers are fake (no actual cameras), it reduces trust in your security and potentially signals that you only tried to have security—which may actually invite targeting.
What color camera deters best?
Any visible camera deters, but:
- White/silver: Blend with modern homes, less obtrusive
- Black: More visible against light backgrounds
- Dark gray: Best for most North Shore homes
- Turrets with LEDs: Most intimidating (obvious night vision)
Conclusion: The color doesn’t matter much; visibility and prominence do.
How many cameras do I need for deterrent effect?
One visible camera at the main entry point provides 40–50% deterrent effect. Each additional camera adds 5–10%. Most homes see diminishing deterrent returns after 4 cameras—at that point, you’re covering evidence rather than purely deterring.
Will burglars avoid my property if I put up “CCTV Protected” signage?
Yes, if there are actual cameras visible. Signage alone without cameras is counterproductive. Together, signage + visible cameras creates strong deterrent (~70% effective).
Do burglars check if my system is actually monitoring 24/7?
Good question. Organized burglars do scout properties and look for:
- Monitoring centre stickers/branding
- Visible NVR equipment inside
- Alarm box with visible power
- Signs indicating professional monitoring
This is why professional installation and signage matter—it signals legitimate, monitored security vs. DIY systems burglars might disable more easily.
Does CCTV deter theft from driveways (tools, bikes, packages)?
Yes, very effectively. Driveway cameras deter tool theft and package theft by 50–70%. Thieves targeting driveways are usually opportunistic and move on to unmonitored properties. One good driveway camera prevents many losses.
Will burglars think my cameras are fake if they’re not expensive/professional-looking?
Possibly. Modern burglars can sometimes tell:
- Cheap plastic housings vs. proper metal
- Lack of cable conduit (suggests DIY/non-functional)
- Mounting quality
- Whether power cable is actually present
This is another reason professional installation matters—even modest systems, when professionally installed, look legitimate and functional.
Real-World Auckland Example
Case: Glenfield Property Protection
Scenario: Two adjacent North Shore homes, similar value, similar layouts.
Property A: No visible security
- Burglary occurred March 2025
- Entry via kitchen window
- Estimated $15,000 theft
- No evidence; police had limited leads
- Insurance claim delayed (no proof of specific items taken)
Property B: Visible 4K CCTV + alarm signage
- No burglary in past 3 years
- Two attempted break-ins (visible CCTV caused burglars to move on)
- Neighbor reported seeing suspicious activity; property owner provided footage
- Police using footage to investigate neighboring burglaries
Outcome: Visible security deterred 100% of actual break-in attempts at Property B. Property A had no deterrent value and suffered significant loss.
How to Maximize Camera Deterrent Effect
1. Choose Prominent, Professional Installation
- Mount cameras 2–2.5 metres high (visible but not easily disabled)
- Use conduit and professional cabling (shows legitimacy)
- Ensure cameras are well-lit or obviously have IR capability
- Install visible NVR/recording equipment (if practical)
2. Combine with Alarm System
- Dual deterrent effect (cameras + alarms)
- Increases deterrence from 60% to 85%+
- Adds police response component
3. Add Signage
- “24/7 CCTV Monitoring” signs visible from street
- Monitoring centre branding (if applicable)
- Professional appearance signals legitimate security
4. Maintain System Visibility
- Ensure cameras stay powered (don’t let batteries die)
- Keep lenses clean and unobstructed
- Test system monthly to ensure functionality
- Replace any broken cameras promptly
5. Integrate with Monitoring Service
- Professional monitoring adds active response component
- Signage indicating professional monitoring provides additional deterrent
- Police response is faster than homeowner calling
The Bottom Line on Camera Deterrence
Do security cameras deter burglars?
Yes—for most opportunistic burglars (70–85% of all break-ins). Visible CCTV deters 60–70% of attempted break-ins, and combined with alarm systems, deterrence reaches 85%+.
However:
- Cameras must be visible to deter
- Professional installation and appearance increase effectiveness
- Combined with alarms, they’re most effective
- Professional/organized burglars are less deterred but still identified and prosecuted through footage
- Deterrence is just one value; evidence preservation is equally important
In short: Cameras do deter most criminals. But even if a break-in occurs despite cameras, the evidence they provide is invaluable for recovery, insurance claims, and prosecution.
Getting Professional Camera Guidance for Your Auckland Home
Garrison Alarms specializes in professional CCTV installation that maximizes both deterrent effect and evidence value.
We’ll:
- Assess your property’s vulnerabilities
- Recommend camera placement for maximum deterrence
- Install professionally visible systems
- Integrate with alarm systems if desired
- Provide professional signage and monitoring options
Internal Linking Notes
Link to these related Garrison Alarms resources:
- “How Many CCTV Cameras Do I Need?” (camera placement for effectiveness)
- “Best CCTV Cameras for Homes in New Zealand 2026” (system selection)
- “CCTV Installation Cost Auckland: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide” (investment cost)
- “CCTV vs Alarm System: Which Is Better?” (combined deterrence)
- “Auckland Burglary Statistics 2025-2026: Which Suburbs Are Most at Risk?” (local crime context)
- “Home Security Checklist NZ: 25 Ways to Protect Your Auckland Home” (comprehensive strategy)
Summary
Security cameras do deter the majority of burglars in New Zealand. Research shows 60–70% deterrence effect for visible systems, increasing to 85%+ when combined with alarm systems. However, visible, professional installation is critical—hidden or obviously non-functional cameras don’t deter.
While deterrence is valuable, cameras also provide essential evidence if break-ins do occur, supporting insurance claims and criminal prosecution.
For maximum protection, combine visible CCTV with professional monitoring. Contact Garrison Alarms for a free assessment—0800-427747.
About Garrison Alarms
Since 1989, Garrison Alarms has installed professional CCTV and alarm systems for Auckland homes and businesses. Our COC-certified installers design systems optimized for both deterrence and evidence value. We represent Hikvision, Bosch, DSC, Paradox, Micron, Risco, and Panasonic—NZ’s most trusted security brands.
Last updated: February 2026