When it comes to business security, where you place your CCTV cameras is just as important as the cameras you choose. Whether you're securing a retail shop, warehouse, or a busy car park, smart placement can drastically improve your coverage, reduce blind spots, and enhance safety.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategic CCTV placement for commercial properties and parking areas, explain which camera types to use in each zone, and link you to our top-performing models at WME.
🏛 Why Placement Matters in Business Security
Proper CCTV placement:
- Acts as a visible deterrent to theft or vandalism
- Helps you monitor key access points and high-risk areas
- Supports investigations with clear video evidence
- Improves staff and customer safety
A poorly placed camera can leave critical zones unmonitored, waste resources, or even expose you to legal risks if it violates privacy guidelines.
🔬 Ideal CCTV Camera Types for Businesses & Car Parks
Turret Cameras
- Great for building entrances, reception areas and indoor spaces
- Compact and discreet
- Infrared night vision up to 40m
- Example: DS-2CE78H0T-IT3FS (5MP)
Bullet Cameras
- Highly visible, acts as a strong deterrent
- Ideal for perimeter monitoring and long-range coverage
- IP66/67 rated for outdoor use
- Example: DS-2CD2T86G2-2I (8MP)
PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
- Perfect for large, open spaces like car parks
- Can follow movement and zoom in on suspicious activity
- Often equipped with auto-tracking and night vision
- Example: DS-2DE4215IW-DE (2MP, 15X Zoom)
Dome Cameras
- Vandal-resistant and great for public-facing areas
- Often mounted indoors or under canopies
- Easy to blend with ceilings or wall corners
- Example: HikVision: DS-2CE5AD0T-VPIT3F(2.7-13.5mm)
📍 Where to Position Your CCTV Cameras
Business Entrances & Exits
- Use turret or dome cameras to capture faces and licence plates
- Position above head height (2.5–3m)
Retail Floor or Stock Rooms
- Cover tills, aisles and loading bays
- Use wide-angle cameras for maximum coverage
Car Parks & External Perimeter
- Use bullet or PTZ cameras for long-range, wide-area views
- Mount high up to prevent tampering and capture number plates
Office Areas
- Install indoor domes in shared workspaces and reception
- Ensure cameras don’t invade personal privacy zones (e.g., toilets)
📊 Camera Placement Table: At a Glance
| Area | Recommended Camera Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Front Door / Main Entry | Turret or Dome | Face capture & night vision |
| Car Park | Bullet or PTZ | Long range & auto-tracking |
| Stockroom / Warehouse | Dome or Turret | Wide-angle & vandal resistant |
| Perimeter Fence | Bullet | Visible deterrent, weatherproof |
| Reception Area | Dome | Discreet and internal friendly |
❓ FAQs About CCTV Placement
Q: How high should I mount CCTV cameras?
Aim for 2.5–3.5 metres. High enough to avoid tampering, low enough for good detail.
Q: Can I use PTZ cameras to replace multiple fixed cameras?
Yes, especially in large outdoor zones. PTZ offers flexibility and zoom.
Q: Are there rules about camera placement?
Yes. You must comply with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.
Q: Do cameras need to be visible to be effective?
Yes. A visible camera often deters crime more than hidden ones.
Effective CCTV placement is a blend of the right camera type, strategic angles, and full property coverage. Whether you're monitoring foot traffic, preventing theft, or managing a busy car park, your camera layout can make all the difference.
Explore WME's Hikvision CCTV Cameras today to find the best options for your business or commercial property.
Need help designing your system? Reach out to the WME team for tailored advice from UK security pros.