“Businesses have used security cameras for years to deter would-be thieves from ripping off products or tearing up property. But the use of video surveillance systems in residential neighborhoods seems to have increased recently, industry experts say, as prices have come down substantially and lower-end models can be bought off the shelf at big-box stores.
Licensed security system installers say they are busy outfitting families, many of whom commute to Bay Area jobs, with four-camera setups that can watch various portions of their house 24 hours a day and include remote Internet accessibility.
“I never figured there would be this much business here,” said Cliff Rogers, who owns I Spy Video in Manteca. “It’s giving peace of mind to homeowners.”
When used effectively, surveillance systems certainly can be useful in catching criminals in the act.”