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Have your cameras professionally installed in NY (placement, wiring, alert setup), or pick the best models to install yourself.
In New York, an effective security camera should cover your main entry points without piling on blind spots. The best balance combines a sharp image, reliable alerts, controlled storage and respect for your neighbors' privacy.
Before deciding whether to have your cameras installed or do it yourself, here's what you need to know about the real risk in New York and the state of NY.
New York City is the most populous city in the United States, home to more than 8 million residents. Its extreme density and around-the-clock activity make burglary prevention a priority, especially in walk-up buildings and ground-floor units. New Yorkers overwhelmingly choose wireless, no-drill alarm systems suited to apartments and co-ops.
In short: The NYPD records tens of thousands of burglaries and grand larcenies each year, concentrated in buildings with shared entries and easily reached fire escapes.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR) & Bureau of Justice Statistics — 2023 data.
| Category | NY rate | US avg. | Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglaries | 1.60 | 3.00 | -47% |
| Aggravated assaults | 2.40 | 2.70 | -11% |
| Home invasions | 0.90 | 1.00 | -10% |
| Vehicle thefts | 1.70 | 3.00 | -43% |
| Larceny / theft | 9.30 | 13.00 | -28% |
Compare New York with another state using our interactive tool
New York is dominated by multi-unit housing: about 19 of every 20 homes are apartments, condos or co-ops. Ground-floor units, apartments near fire escapes, and buildings with shared lobbies see the bulk of break-ins, often through a forced unit door in under two minutes. The large share of pieds-à-terre and frequently empty units — especially in Manhattan — creates long stretches of vacancy that burglars learn to spot.
Housing type: Dense urban (apartments dominate)
Main residential neighborhoods: Upper East Side · Park Slope · Forest Hills · Riverdale · Bay Ridge · Astoria
Going with a professional for your cameras means placement that actually covers your entry points, clean and durable wiring, well-tuned alerts (no more notifications for a passing cat), and a privacy-compliant install. A pro also thinks about storage and backing up your footage — things that often get overlooked in a DIY setup.
UL-listed equipment and a properly state-licensed, ESA-member installer are the credentials insurers look for. A professional will also place your cameras in line with privacy laws (no footage of the public sidewalk or a neighbor's property). Here are providers serving New York and the state of NY.
One licensed pro gets back to you within 24 hours. No spam, no obligation.
Today's wireless cameras install with no construction. Here are the 3 most popular models, from best value to most full-featured.
| Camera | Rating | Best for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reolink Argus 3 Pro No subscription | Best value, local storage | Amazon≈ $90–150 | |
| Arlo Pro 4 Premium | Image quality and a complete ecosystem | Amazon≈ $180–280 | |
| Eufy Security 2K No fees | Local storage included, privacy-first | Amazon≈ $100–180 |
To weigh resolution, night vision, power and storage for your home, follow our buying guide before you order.
Any alarm triggered by a break-in or attempted break-in should be reported to police as soon as possible — a police report number is almost always required for your homeowners or renters insurance theft claim.
NYPD — your local precinct handles non-emergency reports (find it at nyc.gov/nypd)
311 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency)
Jurisdiction: New York City Police Department (NYPD)
Many departments offer a free vacation house check program: register an extended absence in New York and patrol officers will keep an eye on your home while you're away. Contact your local precinct to enroll.
Yes — on your own property you're generally free to. The key limits: record only your property, and don't point cameras at a neighbor's windows or beyond your property line, where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Avoid recording audio without consent (many states require all-party consent). If a camera covers a shared hallway or common area in a New York building, you'll need HOA or building approval, and you should always check local NY ordinances.
No, it's not required. Many models record locally to a microSD card or to a recorder (NVR), with no monthly fees. A subscription only adds cloud storage and some AI features — useful, but optional.
A camera with local storage keeps recording even if the internet drops — a burglar who cuts the router doesn't erase the evidence. For power, pick a battery model or add a small UPS battery backup for the camera and recorder.
1080p is fine for a room or entryway, while 2K or 4K becomes useful for covering a yard or a wider area.
Cloud makes remote access easy, but local storage cuts costs and keeps more control over your footage.
Two to four cameras are often enough: front entry, yard, garage and a side approach. Avoid pointing them at the public sidewalk or a neighbor.
Yes, if it offers reliable alerts and local storage. A subscription mainly adds cloud recording and some advanced features.
To dig deeper based on your situation, these guides round out this cameras page for New York.
