Penticton RCMP urge locals to consider surveillance cameras

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RCMP in Penticton are continuing to praise and recommend the use of video surveillance on businesses and private property.

They say several recent crimes have been solved, or major headway made in them, thanks to high-quality footage captured at the scene.

Since camera quality has improved even in cheaper models in recent years, police are urging anyone who can to consider using them. They say it may cause the criminal to think twice in the first place, and if the crime does occur, it acts as a silent witness.

“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,” says Cst. 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."

They suggest the following when setting up a system:

• At least 30 days of recording time.
• Highest resolution is best.
• Camera angles which can capture a close up of a person’s face.
• A simple method of downloading video onto an external memory device.