Increased Surveillance Deters Property Crime While Avoiding Confrontation

Increased Surveillance Deters Property Crime While Avoiding Confrontation

Although there were still over 7 million property crimes committed last year, the FBI recorded another drop in the number of burglaries and thefts. Breaking and entering into homes and other property accounts for a significant number of these crimes. However, due to civic support for increasing community awareness and a rise in the number of business owners and residents taking steps to secure their properties, this number is falling.

Effective Surveillance Thwarts Theft

Reports on CCTV cameras reviewed by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service show that video surveillance is effective as a powerful deterrent and source of identification in the fight against property crime. Cameras are most effective when combined with improved lighting and other security features. With the FBI reporting that less than 20% of burglaries are solved, often due to lack of witnesses, camera footage can provide valuable evidence of crime. In addition, research shows that citizens report feeling safer with cameras installed. An initiative that uses cameras to thwart crime in targeted areas of Salem City, New Jersey has received a positive reception from local residents. Those who are interested in taking part in the program will be issued with a camera paid for from donated funds from Stand Up for Salem, a non-profit organization that is working to improve the city. Signals from cameras can be sent directly to the Police Department, which can view live footage from the areas covered. A pilot scheme has already seen a reduction in crime, and the mayor hopes that residents will work together as a community to continue to increase safety levels in the city.

Stand Your Ground Laws Increase Violent Crime

Deterring criminals with good lighting and effective surveillance linked directly to the police is preferable to leaving property owners to confront intruders in the home. Florida was the first state to introduce a “stand your ground” law in 2005, and since then, 29 more states have followed suit. Ohio is now the latest state to be considering introducing its own bill. The laws, which develop the common law castle doctrine, state that a homeowner does not have a duty to retreat in their own property, and can instead defend their home against intruders, using reasonable force where necessary. Idaho’s version of the law, passed last year, also allows for the defence of a place of employment or occupied vehicle. Unfortunately, although the laws were intended to improve public safety, they are now being linked with a rise in homicide rates of 6.8%. Homeowners are putting their lives at risk by not backing away, while at the same time, intruders are more likely to be harmed by homeowners defending their property.

Deterring intruders with effective surveillance and lighting, and providing evidence for prompt police identification, has been proven to be effective in reducing crime. Increasing the use of security measures in this way is preferable to more homeowners and burglars putting their lives at risk in potentially violent head to head confrontations on private property.