Security Cameras

Nightclubs and public houses are among a growing number of small businesses that are installing small weatherproof surveillance cameras on their premises to deter vandalism and help police in determining the aggressor when fights break out.

BBC reporter Ashley Blake found that out the hard way in 2009, when a pub surveillance camera caught him assaulting a 17 year old at a birthday party. Blake was convicted of unlawful wounding and attempting to pervert the cause of justice (by lying to police) after footage from the surveillance camera was played in court.

Burglary, vandalism and public disorder have long been the bane of nightclubs and pubs, many of whom have now turned to surveillance cameras to help convict unruly customers. These cameras can also provide evidence if door staff are accused of assault, and on occasion have even been used to prove that the door staff did indeed use excessive or unnecessary force.

In 2006 a gang of two women and two men vandalized a Christmas tree in Bridgwater, England. Thinking they had got away with the vandalism they laughed and ran to continue drinking at a nearby bar. Police arrived moments later, hauled them out of the bar and forced them to redecorate the tree in front of their friends. Shamed, they were permitted to leave with a warning for their behavior. An alert CCTV operator was behind the police report and watched as the tree was first vandalized, then redecorated.

But it is not just businesses who are using cameras to protect themselves from vandalism or criminal damage. Increasingly owners of small boats, motor homes or expensive cars that are frequent targets for robbers are installing night vision outdoor cameras at their homes. It does not guarantee recovery of stolen items but it can act as a deterrent, especially with prominent warning signs.

Gas stations have installed cameras that record cars that make off from stations without paying for fuel. Such thefts cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue every year, but thanks to the installation of such systems offenses have dropped.

It is by no means difficult or expensive to install and use such systems. Two thousand pounds can buy a complete eight camera system, the evidence recorder and everything necessary to set up in a matter of hours. For a small business that has been targeted by thieves, and thus is more likely to be targeted in future, such a system can provide invaluable evidence to catch and convict thieves.

A combination of different cameras, some housed in vandalism proof domes, others inconspicuously placed in positions where they can see entrances and exits to premises, can provide a full scale security solution that allows monitoring in sufficient detail as to provide clear photographic evidence that can convict felons even where no other evidence is present.

Even fast food outlets and small electrical stores are fitting camera networks to help minimize or even eliminate theft, and in some cases to prove cases where corrupt officials who would not normally be suspected have turned out to be the perpetrators of crime. A corrections officer, deputy Adam Stoddard, was held in contempt of court after a court CCTV system captured him removing papers from the defense attorney’s file during a hearing without her permission. In 2009 a motel owner left a sheriff watching his desk while he went outside to smoke a cigarette. The sheriff, unaware he was being monitored by CCTV, leaned over the desk and stole money from the cash register. He was later convicted.

In the fight against crime, small security cameras and inexpensive recording systems have proved time and again that they can effectively prove guilt – even in cases where the perpetrator would not normally be suspected – and lead to justice being served. As the cost of these systems continues to decrease, they have become a more and more cost effective measure for both the small business owner and the ordinary householder.

Most privacy laws do not protect intruders on private property. Although it can be an allowed defense to claim breach of privacy if a camera catches a felon in a public place (unless that camera is set up by the local authorities for the express purpose of anti-crime monitoring of a given area, in which case if correct signage is in place it is assumed that anyone entering those areas waives the right of privacy) once a person trespasses on property belonging to another person or enters private land owned by a business they can legitimately be monitored.

Inexpensive security systems have revolutionized the fight against crime. Homes and small businesses with assets to protect against vandalism or theft are increasingly turning to these systems as a normal part of securing their premises and possessions.