Top 5 Mistakes People Make With Temporary Security Systems (And How to Avoid Them)

Temporary security systems are a smart, flexible way to protect construction sites, events, rural properties, and other short-term or mobile setups. But like any security system, their success depends on how they're used.

We often see businesses invest in solid hardware, only to end up with blind spots, false alarms, or no response at all because of simple oversights. Whether you're setting up your own system or hiring one in, avoiding a few common mistakes can be the difference between effective protection and costly gaps in your security.

Here are the top 5 mistakes people make with temporary security systems and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Placing Cameras Too Low or in the Wrong Position

It might seem obvious, but poor camera placement is one of the most common - and costly - mistakes. Mounting cameras too low or in areas with limited visibility can leave blind spots, reduce deterrence, or make it easier for intruders to mess with equipment.

In the rush to set up a temporary system, many people overlook line of sight, access angles, and lighting. The result? Footage that’s too dark, too distant, or completely misses key activity.

How to avoid it:

Use elevated systems like the Spy 180NX, which are designed to provide wide-angle or 360° coverage from an optimal height. Position cameras to cover main entry points, access roads, storage areas, and anywhere materials or vehicles are left unattended.

Pro Tip:

Always walk your site before installing. Think like an intruder: where would you enter, hide, or move? That’s where your cameras need to focus.

2. Forgetting to Activate or Update Alert Contacts

You’ve installed your system and it’s capturing footage but if no one is alerted when something happens, it’s not doing its job. Many users forget to check or update their alert settings, meaning that motion events, breaches, or alarms are never seen in real time.

This becomes a serious issue if contact information is out of date, phones are off, or alerts are going to someone no longer on-site.

How to avoid it:

Ensure your contact list is correct and alert notifications are activated. Test the system before leaving the site to confirm that alerts are working. If you're using a system like Spy Tower, we can help manage these contacts for you or you can upgrade to 24/7 after-hours monitoring for peace of mind.

Pro Tip:

 Set a recurring calendar reminder to review your alert contacts weekly, especially on projects where teams rotate or shift regularly.

3. Relying Too Much on DIY Monitoring

App-based monitoring is convenient and useful, but it has its limits, especially after hours. Most people aren’t checking motion alerts at 3 a.m., and you can’t always assume someone on-site will respond quickly if an incident occurs.

DIY monitoring can lead to missed threats, delayed responses, and preventable losses.

How to avoid it:

Consider professional monitoring that operates while you’re off the clock. At Spy Tower, our after-hours monitoring service uses AI-powered alert filtering backed by real people who verify threats and take action, whether that’s notifying you, calling emergency services, or dispatching a guard.

Pro Tip:

If you’re self-monitoring, assign multiple people to receive alerts and have a clear plan for how to respond to each type of notification.

4. Choosing the Wrong System for the Terrain or Location

Not every security system works in every location. Choosing a system that relies on mains power, long-range WiFi, or permanent infrastructure might be fine for some sites but on remote land, event grounds, or shifting construction zones, that setup can quickly become unreliable or unusable.

How to avoid it:

Look for solar-powered, wireless, and mobile systems that don’t require fixed infrastructure. Spy Tower’s towers and alarm bollards are built to work anywhere, no trenching cables, digging post holes, or worrying about connectivity. They’re ideal for rugged terrain, temporary jobs, or events without fixed power.

Pro Tip:

Do a site check for power access, internet signal, and layout before choosing your equipment. A good provider will help assess this for you.

5. Not Using a Layered Security Approach

Many people think a single camera or alarm will be enough to stop a determined intruder but that’s rarely the case. If someone is serious about getting onto your site, a lone camera might not deter them, and by the time you get an alert, it could be too late.

How to avoid it: 

Use a layered approach - a combination of visible deterrents (like signage and lighting), motion-activated alarms, and surveillance. Multiple layers create more opportunities to detect and discourage intruders before they cause damage.

Spy Tower systems can be paired with alarm bollards, motion sensors, and customisable alert protocols to give you full-site coverage and faster reaction time.

Pro Tip:

Think of your security in layers: detect, delay, and respond. The more friction you create, the less appealing your site becomes.

Conclusion

A temporary security system isn’t a “set and forget” tool. It requires the same thoughtful planning and upkeep as any permanent solution. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your system, reduce risk, and protect your people and property with confidence.

At Spy Tower, we’ve helped secure everything from remote farms and major events to construction sites and commercial spaces. Our mobile, solar-powered systems are built to work where others can’t and our team can help you design a security setup that avoids all the usual pitfalls.

Need help setting up your system the right way?

Contact us for a free site consultation or advice on choosing the best solution for your needs.