Video doorbells were the hottest thing in home security when they first came out. They were so popular that local police departments began distributing them to residents after working out deals with manufacturers and retailers. But if you have to buy one yourself, is it really worth it? Is it worth it if you live in a small town where crime isn’t rampant?
Carson City, Nevada would be considered on the smaller size. It is not quite a small town, but its population of just over 55,000 doesn’t quite make it a medium-sized city either. The one thing we can say about Carson City is that it does not see the same kind of crime you might find in Chicago or Houston.
This takes us back to the video doorbell question. Are video doorbells worth it in Carson City? Considering how little they cost these days, it is hard to say no. For a relatively minor investment, Carson City residents can enjoy quite a few benefits.
Always Know Who’s at the Door
Long before you ever get to the crime question, a video doorbell allows you to always know who is at the front door. Maybe you are just sitting down to dinner and the doorbell rings. You bring up an app on your phone only to discover a campaign worker looking to talk to you. There is no need to get up and answer the door. Just use the on-board audio system to tell the worker you are not interested. Problem solved.
Knowing who is at the door can protect you against scammers posing as utility workers. They can save you the headache of having to turn away proselytizers.
Watch the Kids in the Driveway
Here is another possibility that has nothing to do with crime: use your video doorbell to watch the kids playing in the driveway. Instead of having to sit out there with them while they ride their bikes, you can do the dishes with your cell phone sitting on the window ledge in front of you. They play; you get some work done while keeping an eye on them remotely.
Know When Packages Are Delivered
Vivint Smart Home says a video doorbell is an indispensable device if you want to know when packages are delivered. Most video doorbells are motion sensitive, sending an alert to the owner’s smartphone or email account when motion is detected.
Get an alert and you can immediately open the doorbell app on your phone. Viewing the video in real time lets you know right away if a delivery driver is dropping off a package. You can go out and retrieve that package before porch pirates have an opportunity to steal it from you.
Do Your Part to Fight Crime
In closing, it is impossible to write a post of this nature without talking about the crime aspect. Simply put, the video doorbell enables you to do your part to fight crime. Remember that video doorbells produce video images. Those images can be used by police investigators searching for burglars and porch pirates. They can present the images in court to obtain a conviction.
In some cases, a video doorbell can even act as a deterrent. Criminals approaching your home are uneasy about being caught on camera. So if they recognize your brand of doorbell, they may turn and walk away before committing a crime.
Even if crime is not a big problem in your area, there are other reasons to invest in a video doorbell. Why not take a look for yourself? You get a lot for a very small investment.
