‘Mr. Dillinger, why do you rob banks?? a reporter asked John Hubert Dillinger.
‘Because that is where the money is,? the 1930s public enemy replied.
And that, says Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, is why business owners should have video surveillance. Businesses are ‘where the money is.?
Though Dillinger is long dead under FBI fire, Narsh says business owners should install security cameras to mitigate crimes and the chance of criminals getting away, should a crime be committed.
?[Video surveillance] is not just for Detroit and Flint,? said the chief. Narsh notes there have been cases solved in Lake Orion because of video imaging captured at the time of the crime.
‘There are two cases right now where multiple subjects were identified and confessions obtained entirely due to surveillance cameras? he said.
Some businesses, however, aren’t ready to pay $1,000 or more for a surveillance starter set. That’s why one local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, doesn’t use them.
‘Some places use a mix of fake and real cameras,? she said, adding that the presence of a camera can be a deterrent for would-be criminals.
The owner recently purchased six fake cameras for that purpose.
Other business owners, like Sunoco owner Carlo Koza, says the safety surveillance offers is worth the money.
‘I don’t see why any business wouldn’t have it,? he said. ‘You can be anywhere and watch over the safety of your business ? from your cell phone, home, computer. It’s a no-brainer.?
Koza says that, at his business, video surveillance is especially important to catch gasoline ‘drive-offs? and credit card fraud.
The police chief notes that no matter the crime a camera records, police officers will need immediate access to it.
‘The ability to easily and quickly transfer the recorded image to a CD or DVD is the single most important part of any system,? Narsh said.
Using data from surveillance cameras, police are able to broadcast a ‘be on the lookout? message with a suspect’s description. Recorded images can also be used in legal proceedings and convictions.
Narsh notes that surveillance systems with ‘all the bells and whistles? except the ease of data transfer isn’t helpful in crime solving.
‘What good is the most expensive system money can buy if no one can operate?? he asked.
The chief added business owners can ask the Lake Orion Police Department for help when choosing a surveillance system.
‘I’m a huge fan of preventing crimes before they happen,? he said.