Facebook Used on Right Side of the Law – Posting Home Security Video to Catch Burglars

I’ve posted about the way Facebook can work against home security, and there’s plenty of evidence to support that notion – especially when people are sharing too much information via social media about their plans to be away.  But now it appears that Facebook can just as easily be used against intruders who take advantage of your absence. More and more homeowners are installing security cameras – and when you catch the image of a bad guy, Facebook can be your friend by allowing you to circulate that image to your own social network, as well as to the police. It’s working, and this recent ABC News report provides a number of great examples.

Homeowner’s Quick Response Yields Results

One homeowner interviewed in the ABC report experienced a break-in, and immediately installed security cameras. Two days after the initial burglary, the same intruders came back – and their pictures are now making the rounds on Facebook. Chances are someone will recognize them – and then these burglars' days of freedom (and violating others’ peace of mind) will be over. Plus, these camera solutions don’t have to be complicated – or expensive. You can even set them up yourself.

Police Love Security Cam Footage

Police love this video footage as well – there is no better evidence. A great example is the video captured at the home of the Police Chief of Toms River, NJ (see my prior post). The chief’s security cameras caught the perp walking up the driveway, and then climbing through a window in the rear of the house. The video images were so good that police were able to match the footage to a suspect, who is now behind bars.

The Right Video Technology

The best cameras are the wireless ones that are integrated into your home alarm system, both in terms of cost and functionality. And instead of needing an expensive DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to record around the clock, the smart cams sold by the more advanced alarm companies have motion analytics built into them. That means these cameras are “activated” when they sense motion: they create a video clip, which is sent directly to you, and is also stored off-site when you retrieve it later. No expensive video storage device required. Of course, these cameras also allow you to log in remotely to view your home any time you want, from anywhere you have a web connection – including your iPhone, Droid, or BlackBerry.

It’s good to know that Facebook and other social media channels are not just liabilities for home security – that they can actually help in the constant fight against residential burglaries. FrontPoint is 100% committed to providing protection and peace of mind, with systems that are safer, smarter, simpler, more affordable, and virtually impossible to defeat. We’ve been supporting wireless security cameras for years: not the ones with the expensive local storage device, but the interactive ones that you can view remotely, and that send the motion-activated clips to you, and to off-site storage where you can retrieve them. Just one more reason why FrontPoint is the #1 rated alarm company in the US. We get the picture - and so do you!