Security cameras may be the single most important part of any home or business security plan. Security alarms alone are OK but they lack in providing vital information to the property owner. There is no way to determine if an alarm is a real threat, or a false alarm. The only way to tell the difference is to wait for the police to arrive to check the property.
With security cameras you get a first-hand look at your property, and at a quick glance you can see if a noise you heard, or an alarm activation is actually a real threat and you can prepare yourself and others much faster to provide safety and information to the police.
Security cameras are extremely important not only before, and during a break-in, but also afterwards, and during the investigation. You can replay the video over and over to look for things that may have been missed. You can also see exactly where the intruder may have touched surfaces which is incredibly important for gathering fingerprints, otherwise investigators are just guessing.
Security cameras also give you an idea of what may have been stolen, things you may have otherwise not even noticed for days, weeks, or months afterwards.
Cameras can also provide a method of transportation, license plate numbers, direction of travel, vehicle description, description of those involved, the number of people involved, and many other crucial pieces of evidence that you would not have otherwise.
So when determining the importance of security cameras on your property, be sure to put cameras at the top of your list!