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Eye On Crime: More Home Burglaries in Odessa, Protect Your House
Eye On Crime: More Home Burglaries in Odessa, Protect Your House 2/11/13
Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
February 11, 2013
ODESSA, TX – Home burglaries are on a rise in Odessa. According to Odessa Police Department, in 2011 there were 452 residential burglaries. That number increased to 536 in 2012.
"One thing we noticed is that burglars don't like to be lit up. They like to straggle around when they know people aren't watching," said Corporal Sherrie Carruth.
Police say that with more people moving to Odessa, it also brings in more crime.
But there is technology that can help protect your home and help identify a burglar.
“If the person is visible in the camera, it could be very beneficial,” said Carruth.
Surveillance cameras can help give you a bird’s eye view, when it comes to catching a thief. But purchasing a camera system could have a heavy price tag.
"When we do a professional type series, it can run from $25,000 to $15,000 ... just depends on how many cameras," said General Manager of 1st Alarm Brad Holcomb.
1st Alarm provides systems connected to alarms, night vision lighting and even your cell phone.
More affordable cameras can be purchased through grocery stores for less than $1,000. But police say the better the quality, the better the chance you will have when searching for a robber.
"It's one thing to have an alarm go off. It [the alarm] certainly would secure a property. But when they want camera surveillance, it’s video proof for prosecuting," said Holcomb.
The quality of the camera makes a major difference. Surveillance doesn't mean you wont get burglarized, it just makes it harder for criminals to commit the crime and easier to track down.
Odessa Police Department advocates the use of your own eyes and ears when documenting a crime you've seen.