Las Vegas Metro PD Institutes Doorbell Cameras with Homeowners’ Help

Many crimes in Las Vegas have been captured by doorbell camera. Homeowners are turning to the electronic marvels, but do they help prevent crime?

Las Vegas Metro Police say there isn’t a study which links crime statistics and doorbell camera. One thing is for sure. Thieves don’t want to be seen and they don’t want to be caught on camera.

Kenji Kita install Ring Doorbell on her front door several months ago. While the device didn’t stop the crook, Kita says it helps ward off someone suspicious who tried to get in his home.

Recently someone tapped the Ring Doorbell app, and they told Kita they were at his home to provide an estimate on carpet cleaning. Kita told the individual, “I didn’t ask for your service.”

He called police, and the stranger left.

LVMD points out camera may not prevent all crime, but it is a deterrent. It often makes thieves think twice before breaking in.

It also helps police and neighbors solve crimes.

Community Surveillance

Las Vegas cops have a community surveillance program. A homeowner registers whenever there is a crime in the neighborhood, the police may contact you and ask you to review videos to see if the camera captured potential suspects or vehicles.

To register for the program, the LVMPD has set up a webpage to help in enhancing law enforcement’s cooperation with the community. The program is voluntary and meant to make use of the plethora of video surveillance at homes and businesses. There is no fee to register for the program, the information is confidential and users can unregister any time.

How It Works

A homeowner gets a surveillance system and install its. Unless something happens, the system is a deterrent only and doesn’t stop a crime from happening. Often the surveillance system may catch something use for law enforcement, but the information can go unnoticed as the owner is unaware their system has ‘captured’ anything.

The LVMPD’s “SafeCam” program gives homeowners and law enforcement the opportunity to catch a perpetrator coming, leaving or committing a crime.

The Takeaway

Turing the registration process information obtained  includes, name, address phone number and the location of the camera. Once the data is gathered, a police officer may contact you to look for possible leads or would come to your house to review the video footage if you are the victim.

Together, the officer and you work hand in hand as the crime is solved.