Home security cameras are catching more than just potential intruders, with research from Canstar revealing trespassing neighbours, misbehaving pets, and parcel mishaps are also being caught.
The research comes as Canstar announces the winner of the 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award for Home Security, with Google Nest taking top spot.
Trespassing and property damage topped the list of sightings
Canstar’s survey revealed both attempted and successful break-ins have been caught on camera, finding:
- Almost one-quarter (24%) of respondents saw someone trespassing on their property
- 10% saw someone attempting to break into their home, while 6% witnessed a break-in
- 7% saw an attempted vehicle theft, and 5% saw their vehicle being stolen
Porch pirates have also been spotted: 10% of respondents have caught parcels being stolen from their home, while almost one-fifth (17%) witnessed parcels being damaged or mishandled during delivery.
Bad neighbours and misbehaving pets
It isn't just strangers caught on camera – neighbours overstepping boundaries and naughty pets are also frequently featured in home security footage, with Canstar’s data showing:
- 22% of respondents have caught their pets behaving badly
- Over one-fifth (21%) caught their neighbours coming onto their property
- 11% saw neighbours using their outdoor items without permission
Why Australians are installing security measures
Survey respondents reported an average spend of $458 on their home security products, with the majority agreeing they feel safer since installing security measures. Motivations for installing the cameras varied, with some of the reasons including:
- 18% installing systems following a break-in or attempted break-in in their neighbourhood.
- 14% doing so after a personal experience with a break-in or attempted break-in.
- 12% making the move to help reduce the cost of their home insurance premiums.
The most popular security measures currently in use include outdoor security cameras (44%), followed by video doorbells (33%), CCTV cameras (31%), indoor cameras (21%), and smart locks (18%).
Top-rated brand for home security revealed
Canstar’s 2026 Most Satisfied Customers Award for Home Security has been won by Google Nest. The brand claimed the top spot after receiving high ratings from consumers across all categories, including the key satisfaction drivers of features, functionality, and performance.
Canstar spokesperson, Eden Radford, says, “while the primary goal of home security may be to stop catch break-ins, Canstar’s research shows these cameras provide a window into everything from bad neighbours to the secret lives of our pets".
“With the average household spending over $450 on these systems, expectations for performance and reliability are high. It is no small feat for Google Nest to win the Most Satisfied Customers Award, earning top marks across every category," she says.
“Whether it's the peace of mind of feeling safer at home or the practical benefit of being able to check in at any time – and perhaps catch a neighbour, pet, or even porch pirate in the act – the right security setup is proving to be an invaluable tool.”
