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Getting a better view of the bad guy [Daily Press, Victorville, Calif.](Daily Press (Victorville, CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 22--VICTORVILLE -- It's a simple concept: Police have a better chance of catching a criminal if they know who they're looking for. But local authorities say surveillance cameras at businesses are often poorly positioned or partially obstructed, making it hard to get a clear view of suspects when they commit crimes. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Victorville Station is implementing a new program aimed at educating business owners on proper camera placement and other techniques that might prevent robberies and other crimes. "The better quality video surveillance evidence we get, the more likely we are to catch the person," Deputy William Hogan said. "It could be that one piece of evidence that could help us solve that crime -- perhaps 20 crimes." As part of the Crime Free Business Program, sheriff's officials visit businesses and advise them on properly positioning cameras and limiting signage in windows for clear visibility of the cash register area. They also give tips about store layout and keeping the area directly outside the store clear of landscaping so there's nowhere for a potential robber to lie in wait, sheriff's Detective Cameron Pratt said. The program is free to business owners interested in learning how to better protect themselves. A typical security inspection takes approximately 20-30 minutes, officials said. "Right now the focus is on convenience stores," Pratt said. "Recently we have seen a lot of robberies at these types of stores." Cameras should be positioned in key locations such as at the cash register, pointed toward the door, throughout the store and outside at vulnerable areas including parking lots and around the back of the building. A large monitor showing different angles should be located in an area where anyone who approaches the checkout counter, as well as the clerk on duty, can see it. A digital surveillance system is far superior to old-style videotape surveillance, both for picture quality and data storage. High-tech video systems don't come cheap, but deputies say there are other small, cost-effective ways to improve safety. "Keeping windows clear of debris and signs is really important," Hogan said. "If you can't see out, we probably can't see in." Pratt and Hogan said they understand the dilemma of marketing versus security when it comes to signage. "I realize these business owners are trying to sell products, but safety is more important," Pratt said. Pratt said it's common for local stores to have less-than-optimal video surveillance, either because the cost of installing the equipment is out of reach or the owner just hasn't made installation a priority. "Most people who work in these types of establishments don't know what we need to investigate a crime," Pratt said. "We are educating the public on what we need to be successful" For more details about the Crime Free Business Program, call the Victorville Station at 760-241-2911. Rebecca Howes can be reached at [email protected] or at 760-951-6276. ___ (c)2013 the Daily Press (Victorville, Calif.) Visit the Daily Press (Victorville, Calif.) at www.vvdailypress.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |