To catch a thief: the increasing role of private surveillance cameras in aiding law enforcement

Last week’s $136 million jewelry heist at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France played out as life imitating art as the very same hotel was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 romantic thriller, “To Catch A Thief,” starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.

And while investigators are reviewing surveillance video footage from the “Heist of the Century” as some in the French media are dubbing it, last week’s news cycle here in the U.S. continues coverage on the debate over privacy vs. security in the wake of the NSA leaks scandal.

These stories are certainly worthy of the attention they are receiving, though what I’m thinking about are events over the past several months that affect real people and their sense of security and safety – oftentimes in their very own homes.

I’m thinking about the June beating of a Millburn, New Jersey woman in her home as her three-year-old daughter watched, the July hit-and-run involving a mother watching helplessly as her 18-month-old was dragged in his stroller, and most recently the Washington couple that watched live on their iPhone as their home was being robbed.

I’m reflecting on these cases and others that I hear every day working in the personal security industry and I’m even more convinced of the growing need for families to protect themselves and their property in a matter that does not put them in harm’s way.

The use of surveillance cameras in the each of these cases has played a crucial role in aiding law enforcement. In the case of the New Jersey woman, the suspect has been arrested. A warrant has been issued in the hit-and-run incident and the quick action of the Washington homeowners led police to the home where the thief dropped stolen items as he ran off.

While the use of home security cameras is not a new phenomenon, the quality of the devices, including hidden camera forms, infrared capabilities, wireless, and motion activated options, and the use of real-time technologies and ability of footage to go viral instantly, have changed the way law enforcement catch the bad guys. I predict that this will only increase as individuals become more aware of the many cost-effective and easy-to-use monitoring systems available to them. And don’t we all feel more secure when we’re proactively taking steps to protect our loved ones and home?

This post also appeared in Security Products Reaction Blog. Jill Johnston is president of KJB Security Products, a Nashville, Tenn.-based wholesale manufacturer and distributor of security and surveillance products.