Security Footage is Essential in Proving Theft and Vandalism

Once upon a time, security cameras were pretty much only seen in banks. Today, nearly ten percent of us have them around our homes, with a higher number of businesses steadily adopting them as a security protocol. Yet these facts don’t give a clear picture of how much the security industry is expected to grow in the coming years, with cameras being the among the most desirable security devices.

Cameras Deter Crime

In the next two years, security is expected to become a 100 billion dollar industry. This may be because we value how effective security is as a deterrent, given that crime rates in the United States have steadily declined since the 1990s.

Any vandal or burglar worth their salt isn’t lazy. They have to work quickly to commit their crime, and cameras complicate things. This is why seeing cameras surrounding a home or business can make them think twice about choosing your spot for their next felony.

The idea isn’t just conjecture. A 2012 study conducted by the University of North Carolina polled more than 400 criminals currently behind bars for robbery and related charges. Of these, more than half said that the presence of security systems including cameras would provoke them to move on. When a crime is in progress, half also said that suddenly noticing the camera or hearing an alarm would also make them run away.

Overall, the study finds that cameras are a more effective deterrent than security signs, passerby, or even the presence of a police officer in the area.

The Pros and Cons of Cameras

So we know that cameras deter crime, but what happens when they don’t? That footage becomes evidence that law enforcement can use to pursue the case. Even if the perpetrator wears a disguise or never faces the camera head-on, the security footage may reveal other details, such as the exact time of the incident, any vehicles nearby, how entry was gained, and what, if anything, was stolen.

If you have a business, cameras are also very valuable for legal proceedings and keeping the record of what occurred on certain days. That said, there are always special considerations to make before installing cameras. You are not allowed to invade anyone’s privacy by placing cameras in bathrooms or areas where employees or customers might undress, like locker rooms or dressing rooms.

There’s also the possibility that a burglar could damage your cameras to prevent evidence from being gathered. This is unfortunate since a good system isn’t inexpensive. Before installation, spend time carefully choosing your spots. You want an area where the action occurs, such as around doors, cash registers, and safes. Still, an easy-to-see camera may need to be kept under glass or placed very high on a wall.

Security cameras can also inadvertently help solve crimes that occur on adjacent roadways and property. Overall, they’re an excellent tool for stopping crime and helping detectives piece together what happened, so the persons responsible are held to account. Select the best vantage point, be mindful of privacy, and sleep easier at night knowing there’s a watchful eye on your safety.