Police: Surveillance Cameras Could Help Deter Crime

Surveillance photos have been helpful to the Newport Beach Police Department in the past, so officials are urging residents to attend an upcoming surveillance camera workshop.

The Newport Beach Police Department will host a workshop on Monday, April 29 to teach residents how to install a surveillance camera. Kathy Lowe, police spokeswoman, said every home should have a security plan that includes good lighting, landscaping, good locks on windows and doors, and should also consider including a security camera.

"Surveillance cameras that are visible on the exterior of a home can also be a deterrent to crime," Lowe said.

Surveillance cameras that have the capability to record can provide valuable assistance to investigators.

"We have had cases in the past where footage captured from surveillance cameras have aided in identifying vehicles and individuals involved in criminal activity," Lowe said.

In April 2012, Newport Beach police used a surveillance photo to get a description of a man who was suspected of stealing a bicycle from an underground parking garage in the 600 block of Lido Park Drive after he was captured on surveillance photos. The surveillance camera also showed the type of car the man fled in.

Police also used several surveillance images in June from a surveillance camera to help identify a man suspected of a burglary of an office in the 900 block of Cagney Lane. The video surveillance showed the man removing several tools from a maintenance room.

The cost of surveillance cameras have decreased significantly in recent years and are an affordable addition to a home security plan.

The surveillance camera workshop will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. To RSVP send an email to rsvp@nbpd.org.