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The #1 Mistake Property Owners Make With DIY Security Cameras

Updated: Dec 19, 2025

Installing your own security cameras might seem like a smart way to save money. You buy a few cameras online, install them around your building, and feel like you've done enough to keep things secure. But for most property owners, there's one big problem: you’re missing the full picture - and that mistake can cost you.


At Deetur, we’ve seen it all. Clients call us after something goes wrong, and time after time, the issue goes back to one common mistake: they thought camera footage was enough.


The Problem Isn’t the Cameras - It’s the Monitoring


Most DIY security systems record footage, but they don’t provide live monitoring. That means no one is watching in real time. If someone breaks in, your system may catch it on camera - but by the time you see the video, it’s already too late.


Without live monitoring, security becomes a passive tool. It tells you what happened after the fact, but it can’t help prevent the crime or send help when it matters most.


Common DIY Security Pitfalls


Here are the most frequent mistakes we see with DIY security camera setups:


  • No real-time response  -  If no one is watching, there's no way to stop a break-in or vandalism while it’s happening.

  • Poor camera placement  -  Many owners place cameras too high, too low, or pointed at the wrong area.

  • No deterrent effect  -  Cheap cameras don’t scare off intruders the way visible, professional equipment does.

  • Limited storage  -  Video gets overwritten quickly if you’re not actively managing your system.

  • Missed installation details  -  DIY setups often skip key coverage zones like blind spots and entry points.


The result? Security that looks good - but doesn’t actually protect you when it counts.


Professional Security Goes Beyond Just Cameras


At Deetur, we don’t just install cameras - we provide complete security solutions, including:


  • Live video monitoring

  • Motion detection alerts

  • Deterrent lighting and signage

  • Fast installation (average 3 - 4 days)

  • Custom system design for your building or site


These features work together to prevent problems, not just record them. Our systems are designed for both commercial and residential clients, and we tailor each one based on your specific needs.


Why Monitoring Changes Everything


Think about the difference between someone watching your property in real-time versus you checking camera footage the next morning. In a live-monitored system:


  • A suspicious person is spotted before they act.

  • Law enforcement or security response can be dispatched immediately.

  • You have a full team backing your safety 24/7.


This is the core difference between DIY and Deetur-level protection.


Fixing Your Current Setup


If you’ve already installed cameras but aren’t happy with the results, don’t worry - we can help. We frequently upgrade or take over systems that were poorly installed or missing key features. Our team will assess what you have, identify gaps, and offer improvements that give you real peace of mind.


Don’t Just Watch - Protect


DIY cameras may give you a false sense of security, but when something happens, they often come up short. Don’t wait for a break-in to realize the system didn’t work.


Let Deetur Security help you turn passive recording into active protection.



 
 
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