CCTV?? Are they worth it?

FionaC (California)
Posts: 212

Posted:

Our community had installed cctv camera in key entry points. The only thing we have been able to find are people who are in violation with dumping things, etc.
Is this cost worth the somewhat sense of security?

I feel it is s deterrant, but some homeonwers feel "we are being spyed on" and do not approve.

RobW (California)
Posts: 279

Posted:

We used to get hit regularly by teams of auto burglars. They would simply drive into the complex in the wee hours, into a garage (our garages are under our 3-story condo buildings), and strip every car parked there.

We invited the police to come to one of our Board meetings, and asked them if cameras would deter these thugs. Their answer was, "yes and no." Cameras by themselves don't stop crime - but they help. In order to truly secure our community, the police explained that we had to develop a comprehensive strategy.

First, we set up a neighborhood watch for weekend nights, when most of these crimes occurred.

Second, we installed security gates at the only entrance to the complex. I did the research and got bids. The Board voted to accept one of the bids, and the homeowners voted to spend the money.

Third, we installed security cameras in the garages, and also at the front entrance to the complex.

Fourth, we educated the homeowners in securing their vehicles - keeping valuables out of site, installing a car alarm, etc.

Today, crime has been reduced to the point where if something does happen, it's newsworthy. And if it does, we have video that the police use to get clues about the perpetrators. Those folks in your community who complain about being spied upon are the very first people who will scream bloody murder if their cars get ripped off.

The bottom line is this: no one of these solutions will prevent or even seriously reduce crime, but all of them together make it such a risky prospect to do "business" here that criminals bypass our community, and look for easier pickings elsewhere.

Rob

FionaC (California)
Posts: 212

Posted:

I thank you for your story and input Rob. I hear that just the presence of a camera may be a deterrent, but we have had a few odd ball things caught on vid. I can assure you that once everyone in the community knows they are there, the odd ball things sort of stopped.

I attributed this to the cctv more than likely.

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Fiona ... next time someone says they feel it is "spying". You could show them their house via Google Earth or some other satalite/camera based program.