CCTV helps property owners protect their homes and businesses, and it helps the police catch criminals. Footage is regularly used in investigations, both to track suspects and to confirm an alibi.
We’re on camera almost everywhere we go: in the street, in shops, on public transport. Footage can be used as evidence in court and helps detectives piece together a suspect’s movements. Here are some real examples of where it has made the difference.
Solving serious crimes
A 2009 Telegraph report found CCTV helped solve a large share of murder inquiries, either by capturing the crime itself or by tracking a suspect’s movements before or after an attack. Camera quality has improved a great deal since then, so footage is likely to be more useful still.
CCTV was also crucial after the attempted London Underground bombings. The suspects fled, but police followed their movements on camera and released the images to the public, which helped lead to their capture.
Catching offenders on private premises
In 2016, a man working in Eltham was ambushed by two men who stole his Rolex watch. A week later, one of the robbers was tracked down and arrested using the company’s own CCTV footage.
Live monitoring leads to arrests
Footage isn’t only reviewed after the event. Police also watch cameras in the community to catch people in the act. In one case in Greater Manchester, a burglar broke into a takeaway and smashed open the till with a hammer. He was picked up on camera, and officers arrived in time to arrest him.
What this means for your property
CCTV is a deterrent, and if you do become a victim, it gives you real evidence to hand to the police and your insurer. If you’d like to know what would suit your home or business, talk to us or look at our CCTV systems.
