Having security cameras, and good quality cameras, makes a big difference when it comes to solving crime, according to the Penticton RCMP.
While just having a camera might be enough to deter some criminals, the cameras are even better when it comes to providing evidence to identify the criminals caught on camera, as several recent cases have proven.
The suspect behind the assault and robbery of the 70-year-old owner of Ogo’s Ice Cream Shop was arrested thanks to the large amount of high-quality video footage provided by the local business community following the brutal attack. Police are looking forward to receiving criminal charge approval on that case.
READ MORE: RCMP solve case of attack on Penticton ice cream shop owner
“We want to encourage local businesses and citizens to consider installing video surveillance, as this is one of best methods we have of identifying suspects,” said Const. James Grandy. “Being able to provide us with good quality video, we may learn the direction the suspect left, in what vehicle they may have used, and a more accurate physical description or characteristic.”
READ MORE: Penticton man, 25, arrested in drug store robbery
The robbery of an Okanagan Falls gas station convenience store on Nov. 14 and the robbery of the Skaha Liquor on that same night also had leads that will end in police solving that case too, thanks to high quality surveillance footage, Penticton RCMP Supt. Brian Hunter told council during his presentation of the third quarter crime report.
“Here at the Shoppers Drug Mart, surveillance footage that was released to the media helped arrest the male suspect in that robbery.”
“It was quite scary in that it was the end of their shift and these people barged in and threatened to pepper spray them. An arrest was made the next day.” said Hunter
READ MORE: Penticton RCMP search for suspect in Okanagan Falls convenience store robbery
The RCMP recommend several features when it comes to buying and installing a surveillance system:
* At least 30 days of recording time.
* The higher the resolution the better.
* Installing the cameras at angles that can capture a close up of a person’s face.
* Having a system with a simple method of downloading video onto an external memory device.
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