Cincinnati Police Report Increase in Home Security Systems

Sgt. Franz said that the increase in home security systems is changing the way detectives investigate crimes. For example, sometimes there’s clear footage of an intruder of thief where once there wouldn’t be any leads on suspects.

• By Jessica Davis
• Nov 09, 2018

Cincinnati Police report that an increase in the use of home security systems is helping them decrease and solve crimes.

According to Cincinnati Police Sgt. Eric Franz, the force is seeing an increase in home security systems installed in the city, including doorbells with automated cameras, security cameras around the home and alarms. Even some local officers are adding security systems to their homes.

“It’s not only making them feel safe, it actually is increasing the safety of their home," Sgt. Franz said. “It really is helping solve crime. It’s helping deter crime, and it’s making your house safer.”

Sgt. Franz said that the increase in home security systems is changing the way detectives investigate crimes. For example, sometimes there’s clear footage of an intruder of thief where once there wouldn’t be any leads on suspects.

“It’s incredibly valuable," Sgt. Franz said. "Packages being stolen, now we’re seeing who did it, and we can put it out there for media channels like channel 19 to put on the evening news, and we’re able to solve crimes.”

Sgt. Franz said the home security systems can even help deter crime.

“There have been people that we’ve gotten videos of that they walk up to the house and see the camera and don’t even touch it," Sgt. Franz said.

Some security programs are packaged with apps that allow you to share videos and information with your neighbors. According to police, the apps often provide more tips and leads, which helps them make arrests.

Cincinnati police said that if your security camera footage captures a crime, it’s a good idea to share your video with neighbors, social media and even the news media and police to help bring in information.