Over the past few years it has become more and more apparent that public crimes can be prevented with security cameras. However, there's no evidence that they're helping at all. Some research has even pointed to the idea that they might increase the incidence rate of violent crime in public.
What can you do?
It's my opinion that CCTV cameras should be placed in more prominent positions so as to deter crimes. It's not enough to simply use the footage after the fact to convict criminals that might commit offenses within view of the camera.
If people see the cameras before committing a crime, it's entirely possible that the crime will go undone in the first place. It's of utmost importance I believe that we do this as soon as possible.
There's still hope
I'm not a pessimist. I think crime rates would go down with the increased prevelence of wired and wireless CCTV systems out in public. I just don't believe they're being used effectively as is. Some are displayed prominently, while others remain hidden so as to avoid detection.
