Überwacht bis überschätzt: Kameras und Videoklingeln: Wie viel Sicherheit bringen sie?

Over-monitoring or Overestimated: Cameras and Video Doorbells - How Much Security Do They Provide?

Smartphones emit a beep sound followed by a live view of the front door: someone is moving in the entrance area. For many people, this form of video monitoring has become part of their personal security concept at home. Cameras or video doorbells promise quick warnings, important recordings in an emergency, and a sense of control over one's own home.

However, experts warn that video cameras for protecting house and yard are not an all-inclusive solution. Video surveillance has its limits and advantages. According to Julia Christiani from the police's preventive crime prevention for states and the federal government, "police experience shows that video surveillance alone prevents no burglary."

It can, however, meaningfully complement the mechanical primary protection. "Many perpetrators are deterred by video surveillance, as it - in conjunction with an alarm - increases the risk of being discovered," explains Christiani. Video recordings in the event of a loss can provide important clues for investigations and identifying the perpetrator.

Consumer advocates also warn against unrealistic or overly optimistic expectations. "Camera surveillance can deter burglars and help with identifying or identifying perpetrators. Physical protection, of course, it does not provide," says Maximilian Heitkämper from the consumer center Rheinland-Pfalz. Not a flawless control, but a security component Effective video security should be viewed as part of a comprehensive concept that includes mechanical security, lighting, and possibly an alarm system, explains Michael Janßen from the BHE (Federal Association of Security Technology).

The BHE now consciously no longer speaks of video surveillance, but of video security. The term video surveillance is considered outdated by Janßen, who believes it should clearly indicate that it is not about flawless control, but about a component of the security concept. Only wealthy homeowners with a visible attack surface - such as those in quiet residential areas with little social control or with a poorly protected rear and garden - can benefit from a security system with video cameras, according to Janßen.

Those who want to better protect their home should first secure windows and doors properly. "Durable doors and windows according to DIN EN 1627 provide the best burglary protection and are also subject to a practical burglary test," says Christiani from the police's preventive crime prevention. Electronic systems can complement this protection, but cannot replace it.

More expensive does not automatically mean better, as tests show. Consumers looking for a suitable camera for home, rooms, yard or garden have a wide selection today - from inexpensive WLAN models on the electronics market to professionally installed video security systems. Popular brands include Eufy, Ring, Bosch, TP-Link, Arlo or Reolink.

Simple cameras are already available for around 40 euros, while more comprehensive systems with several cameras and base stations cost several hundred euros. Janßen from the BHE advises consumers to look closely and pay attention to the right details. "4K resolution sounds impressive at first, but it says little about how well a camera actually works," says the expert.

Rather, it is crucial how well the camera functions in difficult lighting conditions, especially since break-ins often occur at night. High sensitivity to light, good night vision functions, and uniform illumination are important. Modern models can even provide daytime color images, which can facilitate later investigations. Human or animal?

Cameras that are either recording people or animals often trigger false alarms. High-quality cameras can distinguish between persons or vehicles, for example, from animals. When it comes to storing images or videos, manufacturers often advertise cloud services that automatically secure recordings in the Internet. This has advantages: even if a camera is stolen or damaged, the data is preserved.

However, this often leads to additional costs for cloud subscriptions. Moreover, recordings are transmitted to external servers. Cloud is good, but local storage in doubt is better. Alternative options include storing videos on memory cards or local recording devices. According to the BHE, network recorders are the most reliable solution for long-term recording.

Many cameras can be quickly set up via WLAN. If the camera is integrated into a home network, images can be conveniently accessed via app. For occasional camera use, this is a convenient solution. WLAN is convenient, LAN cable is better if the device is part of a permanently installed security system. Security expert Michael Janßen recommends a wired solution.

"Wireless connections can be interrupted or interrupted," argues Janßen. A stable network connection via LAN cable generally offers more security when transmitting data. Where to point - what is legally permissible On his property, if he wants to install cameras, he must also pay attention to legal considerations.