Soccer Mom Burglar Caught on Camera

When Rhonda Faye Rollinson broke into Ken Olson's Hall County, Georgia home one morning, she had no idea it would lead to her arrest. Olson is a security camera installer and often uses his own home to test the equipment he works with.

Rollinson had been dubbed the "Soccer Mom Burglar" by Atlanta-area media because Colonel Jeff Strickland of the Hall County Sheriff's Office said the clothing she wore while committing crimes could "fall into the 'soccer mom' category." The 41-year-old Rollinson was able to easily blend in with the other people in the neighborhoods where she was committing her crimes because of the way she dressed. Strickland said she "looked like a normal person."

Olson's home is equipped with eight security cameras and he says he can't believe Rollinson didn't see them. Her picture was caught on five of the eight. She entered the home through the basement window and exited through the front door and was only inside for a minute, long enough to steal a laptop. Olson turned the video over to detectives and because he was able to get pictures of both her face and her car, detectives were able to link her to previous burglaries in the area and eventually arrest her. She's being held without bond and has been charged with three counts of burglary. Her boyfriend, Benjamin Finley was also charged with theft by receiving and obstruction.

Tons of stolen goods such as digital music players, cameras, laptops, and guns were found in the woods behind the home where Rollinson was arrested. She has been linked to at least three burglaries in homes in the Flowery Branch, Georgia area, all of which she allegedly entered during daylight hours, while homeowners weren't home. She a previous arrest record for burglary from the 90's, and she was also accused of trying to run over one of her victims. More charges may be pending.

About half of the stolen property has been identified. If you're missing items that you think may have been stolen by the Soccer Mom Burglar, contact the Sheriffs Department's Criminal Investigation Division at 770-531-6879.

Meanwhile, Olson is proud of his security cameras and told local media, "It’s a comforting feeling to know that when you’ve been violated in that way that there’s some recourse, and that they can track them down with the video evidence." He was, however, disappointed that none of his eight surveillance cameras were able to catch Rollinson's car's license plate. Determined not to ever let that happen again, Olson has since installed a ninth camera that will catch video of all vehicles entering his neighborhood.

If you live in the Atlanta area or the state of Georgia and want to protect your home from crime, click here to learn more about Georgia Security Camera Installation.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Stupid Security Guard Caught on CCTV

One of the advantages of having security cameras in your business is having the ability to monitor employees and prevent employee theft. It's a proven fact that when employees know they are being watched by security cameras, they are more likely to give a better job performance. With this in mind, you would think a security guard of all people would know better than to commit a crime at his own place of employment. Not so for a man named Justin Hortz.

Hortz is a security officer at a convenience store in Australia. On Saturday, June 26, at 11:35 PM, a teenager and her boyfriend were in the store, shopping. At some point, the girl noticed her wallet was missing and she called local police. The police, along with store staff, viewed the security camera footage from when the girl was in the store and Hortz was immediately identified as the thief. He was off-duty at the time.

According to the camera footage, the girl put her wallet on the counter and when she wasn't looking, Hortz put his hand over it and slid it off the counter and into his pocket.

The wallet contained $110, as well as the girl and her boyfriend's personal identification. Hortz took the wallet to a local Domino's pizza restaurant, ordered a pizza and left the wallet in the restaurant. Police found it and returned it to the girl.

Hortz plead guilty, claimed he was very drunk, and was fined $500 for stealing the girl's wallet.

I'm not sure whether this story should be filed under "stupid employees," "stupid criminals," or both, but either way, it proves that having a quality surveillance system installed in your business can help prevent and solve crime.

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Illegal Activity Caught On Camera in Colorado

The Police Department in Trinidad, Colorado is putting city security cameras to good use. Recently, they caught four young people on video, participating in illegal behavior at the city skate park. Last week, the kids were caught smoking marijuana in the park on Sunday night. The incident was caught by a dispatcher who just happened to be monitoring the camera. An officer was sent to the scene and citations were issued.

Trinidad Police Chief Charles Glorioso had high praise for the surveillance technology. He told the Trinidad Times, "That’s the whole reason we put (the camera) there, trying to keep the park clean and safe. But, apparently the kids - maybe they don’t believe the technology is as good as it is. We can really zoom in and see faces and identify people with them.”

Not only is the park's camera in plain sight, but it has a sign underneath it which lets people know the park is under surveillance. Even so, the drug-related incident was just the most recent in a line of issues that have plagued the city and were caught on camera. In may, a young person was caught on camera vandalizing the park with graffiti and was charged a fine, given six months of probation, and made to serve 48 hours of community service. In June, 23-, 18-, 17-, and 14- year olds were caught in 36 various graffiti incidents. The vandals will be assisting the city's Graffiti Removal Task Force with cleaning up the town's vandalized property.

Glorioso said people should be more aware of the cameras, which are often monitored by dispatchers, "That whole park is monitored, and I want to let them know what dispatch has the capability of accessing that camera and zooming in...a lot of dispatchers use the cameras on their downtime. It’s like having extra officers out there patrolling."

Cameras are located at the intersection of Main Street and Nevada Avenue, Cimino Park, Miners Memorial Park, and Central Park are also minored by the Trinidad Police Department, in addition to the one at the skate park.

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Keep Your Construction Site Safe with Security Cameras

If you work in the construction business, you know theft can be a problem. It is estimated that nearly one billion dollars worth of construction equipment and materials is stolen each year. Without taking proper security measures, this number will continue to rise. Losing materials and equipment can delay your project, raise your insurance rates, and ruin your company's reputation. Fortunately, there is something you can do help protect your business: Construction Site Security Cameras.

Construction Site surveillance is a great option for resolving a number of issues, including theft and vandalism. In the long run, it can save you time and money, and make your company even more efficient. If your construction sites often fall victim to theft or vandalism, a security camera can help you catch the criminals who are causing you harm, as well as offer an idea as to how they are gaining access to your site and what you can do to stop this from happening again in the future. Not only that, but having cameras in place, constantly monitoring what's going on at your construction site can help settle disputes, monitor employees, and be used as the perfect witness in the event you find yourself in legal trouble.

If you've decided to purchase or install a video surveillance system, there are some things you should keep in mind. Here is a quick checklist for you to think about before making your purchase or having your cameras installed.

1. Consider a weatherproof security camera. Cameras that are keeping watch over construction sites are often placed outdoors. Rain, hail, wind, lightning and other damaging weather can do a number on your cameras if you choose the wrong type.

2. Keep cameras out of areas that could be damage by your machinery. Cameras are pretty resilient but they are no match for a bulldozer or other heavy equipment. Make sure you cameras are placed in areas where your machinery won't cause them any harm.

3. Place cameras in areas that are most vulnerable to crime. Do you have a certain area at your site that has suffered from vandalism or theft in the past? Is there an area that is vulnerable due to its location or openness? You'll want to consider putting cameras in these areas first.

4. Was there ever an incident that wasn't necessarily criminal but that you wish you could have caught on video? Maybe you had employees goofing off, maybe you had an inspector lie about something he or she saw. Consider these areas to be a high priority for placing cameras.

5. Do you already have some type of security? Maybe actual security personnel or some type of fence that would be nearly impossible for a criminal to get past. If so, these areas may not be first on your list to receive camera placements.

6. Do you leave supplies that would be easy to steal unattended overnight? If so, these supplies need to be monitored. Lumber, steel, and other raw materials can be very expensive to replace and can seriously delay your project.

7. What type of area is your construction site located in? Is it in a small rural residential area or a large suburban area? Be aware of the crime rates in your area. If your construction site is in a note so nice part of town, consider placing cameras around the entire perimeter to detect any and all intruders.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Shopping Malls Need Security Cameras

Shopping mall security cameras are almost common sense. Think about it. Malls attract some of the largest crowds of any other establishment. You have so many people in such a varied space and so much money being exchanged on a daily basis. It's the ideal location for criminals. Malls often have multiple levels, stores, restaurants, movie theaters and more. Buildings are large and in between them are open plazas, both outside and in. You also have areas where merchandise is stored and delivered. Not only are malls practically a "welcome" sign for criminals, they can present a challenge for anyone looking to help beef up security. One way to do that is with security cameras and monitoring systems. Below you'll find some tips on where, why, and how you should place your mall's cameras.

Where should you place your small security cameras?

Malls usually contain a variety of types of stores and even unique building shape. Because of this, deciding where to place your cameras can be a tough decision to make. Here are some things to think about.

1. Does your mall already have security personnel? Cameras should always first be places in areas they are not always monitored or easily accessed by human eyes. If you have a security team, consider placing your cameras where they can't be on the lookout 24/7.
2. Who is allowed where in your mall? Do you have areas that can only be accessed by employees? Do you have areas where truck drivers from all over the country are making deliveries? Are there parts of your mall, such as lounging areas or stairwells, where customers can easily hide to commit a crime?
3. Do you have a parking lot of deck? Because of the size of your mall, you probably have a lot of places for people to park. Parking lots are not often monitored and are ideal places for a criminal to steal cars, rob and even assault your customers or employees.
4. Are there any areas of your mall that are prone to theft or criminal activity? Maybe several people have been robbed in one of your stairwells or on a certain side of your parking lot. Maybe one particular store sees a lot of theft. Maybe your courtyard is often vandalized. Keep this in mind when deciding where to put your cameras.
5. Does your mall connect to any other types of public buildings, such a subway tunnel? Public transportation housing is a particularly busy area where just anyone can and will walk in, with the intent to cause harm to your mall.

Why do malls need security cameras?
With so many different types of buildings all in one location, malls are very attractive to would-be thieves. From huge parking lots full of cars to large retail shops full of goods, a security camera can help those in charge of a mall's security monitor for illegal activity, as well as aid in the investigation in the event of a crime. Cameras can also help deter such crimes. If a would-be thief sees a camera watching their every move, they may think twice about taking something. Also, the presence of a camera can prevent a petty crime from escalating into something major.

Customers feel safer when they are being monitored by quality security cameras and safe customers are happy customers. Also, you can prevent major lawsuits by catching incidents involving customers on video. Monitoring employees is another advantage to having security cameras in your malls. In 2004, employee theft alone cost businesses in the United States over 40 billion dollars. Don't let your mall become part of this statistic.

How to place your mall security cameras.
So You've taken the plunge and purchased your cameras, but now you're not sure how to go about installing them? Here are some great tips that will help you get your security cameras up and working in no time!

1. Place cameras at all entrances and exits so that you can see who is coming and going at all times and capture all faces on cameras.
2. Place cameras in areas that are always full of people, such as food courts, courtyards, and lobbies.
3. Make sure you've taken precautions against weather or vandalism, especially with cameras placed outside.
4. Make sure you've got cameras in your storage areas so you can see what employees are up to at all times. The same goes for delivery or loading areas.
5. Call Camera Security Now at 877-422-1907 for more help and tips on putting security cameras in your mall!

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Security Cameras for Cruise Ships

When you think of businesses purchasing security cameras, cruise ships may not be high at the top of the list, but cruise ships have many common and unique security camera needs. A cruise ship is sort of like its own little town, with shops, entertainment ares, restaurants, sleeping quarters and much more. But unlike a regular small town, a cruise ship is floating in the middle of the ocean, and easily accessed by anyone from any country. With this in mind, there is lots to think about when purchasing a surveillance system for a cruise ship.

So, what all can a cruise ship security camera do for you?

• Crime Prevention - There have been several famous cases where cruise passengers have gone missing or were thought to be the victims of violent crimes. Not only were security cameras helpful to authorities in solving these crimes, but a criminal is less likely to commit a crime when he or she knows they're being watching.
• Provide Evidence - In the even a crime does take place on a cruise ship, security cameras can provide monumental evidence in court. Not only that, but if someone is injured or there is another type of accident that may lead to a lawsuit, visual images can save millions of dollars in damages fees.
• Fight Terrorism - As mentioned, a cruise ship spends much of its time floating in international waters and can be easily accessed by anyone from almost any country. For this reason, cruise ships could easily become a target of terrorism and security cameras can help monitor for potential danger.
• Monitor Employees - As with any business, there is always the potential for an employee to do something they're not supposed to. A cruise ship is so large and employees so many people, you can't always be everywhere to keep an eye on them, and a security camera system can do that for you, allowing you to view your employees from one remote location.

Once you decided to purchase a cruise ship surveillance camera system, there are some things you need to keep in mind as you work to place the system. What kind of security does your ship already offer? If you have security guards monitoring an area, adding cameras could end up being redundant. A more cost-effective measure would be to put cameras where human eyes can't always be present first. Also, if you have a casino on your ship, or any other type of area where large amounts of money are handled frequently, you'll want to be sure that cameras are keeping watch over that area as much as possible.

Is there a specific place on your cruise ship that is prone to accidents & injuries or crime. These places will also need to be considered for security cameras. Are there areas on your ship where cameras left alone could easily be tampered with or vandalized? You'll want to make sure your cameras are as tamper-proof as possible. And finally, be aware of your passengers' privacy. Never place cameras in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other areas where privacy can be a concern.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Security Cameras for Gyms & Health Clubs

Gyms see a lot of visitors each day. Most people are in and out and at all hours of the day. In addition, many people view gym members as wealthier than your average citizen because they can afford the gym membership, especially at gyms in nicer neighborhoods or that have a more exclusive membership. These factors alone can attract a number of unwanted types of crime at any gym, spa, or health club and one great way to prevent a criminal from wreaking havoc on your gym is to install quality security cameras. Here's a look at how security cameras can help your prevent everything from vandalism to violence at your gym.

One of the best things a camera can do for any business is prevent crime. When a would-be criminal sees they are being monitored, they are less like to commit a crime. They know that anything they do or say will be caught on camera and that footage will be turned over to police and the media, increasing their chances of getting caught. At Camera Security Now, we can help you decide where the best location for a security in your gym might be.

Security cameras in sight can also help increase your business. When new members are previewing your gym, seeing well-placed cameras may be one thing that helps them decide between your place and the place without cameras down the street. Often times, people come and leave gyms and health clubs in the early more or late night hours because there is just not enough time in the day. I know I'd feel much more comfortable walking to my car in the dark with cameras watching over me, wouldn't you?

In addition to protecting your members and deterring would-be criminals, security cameras can help you monitor and protect your staff. Want to make sure your personal trainers are actually doing their jobs? Maybe you have life guard who has been known to spend more time flirting with swimmers than watching for any dangerous situations. Security cameras allow you to keep an eye on things when you can't be right there .

So, you've decided your gym, spa, or health club needs a camera? What's next? Here are a few tips that will help make your gym the most secure option in town!

1. Avoid putting in security cameras in areas such as locker rooms in order to protect the privacy of your customers.

2. Take into consideration what damage could be done to your cameras. If you plan to place them outdoors, or in an area where they may fall prey to accidental damage (i.e. an area where items such as tennis balls are often flying around), you'll want to take extra precautions to see to it that the cameras themselves are protected.

3. Have you had security issues in the past? Maybe your parking lot has seen its share of assaults or maybe there is a corner of your lobby where thieves tend to wait around for unsuspecting victims. You'll want to make sure these are the first areas you cover.

4. Do you have buildings or rooms that are not often supervised by your staff? These are also high priority areas where you will want to place cameras.

5. Any business should have a security camera pointed at all points entrance. This way, you can get a look at anyone who passes through your doors.

6. Do you have a snack bar, vending machines, gift shop, or any other place where cash is often exchanged? Cameras in these areas will not only protect your customers, but allow you to check up on any staff member you suspect of being dishonest.

7. Finally, when you're reading to purchase your camera, you'll want to visit CameraSecurityNow.com or call 877-422-1907 for the best cameras in the business with the most competitive prices and the best customer service.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Security Cameras Lead to Rapist's Arrest

A Cypress, Texas man accused of rape has been arrested and police can thank quality security cameras. The man is accused of raping a teenage girl in her home.

23-year-old Michael Chenault was arrested earlier this month when a Crime Stoppers tip came in to police. The tip said the suspect had been spotted in a specific area on a bicycle and according to officials was even wearing the same clothes he had worn during the incident. Undercover officers spotted and arrested the man.

According to the Houston Chronice, Chenault was wearing a hooded Texas A&M sweatshirt, jeans, and a baseball cap when he broke into the girl's home in a local subdivision. He pulled a knife on the fifteen year old girl and assaulter her in her bedroom.

Before leaving the house, he stole a credit card along with a few other small items. The girl was able to give police a description of the man and in turn, police were able to get that description to the public. He was later spotted and caught on camera at a local Wal-mart, using the stolen credit card. Police were able to use the captured images to get more information about the man to the public.

Chenault was charged by the Harris County Sheriff's office with burglary with intent to commit sexual assault and burglary of a habitation. The man's criminal history goes back at least six years, with charges of car burglary and breaking into a home among others. He is currently being held without bail.

Thanks to the help of a good security camera, there is one less criminal on the streets.

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Convenience Store Cameras Could Have Helped Solve Murder

Over the weekend, a 71-year-old convenience store clerk was shot and killed in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Two armed robbers entered the store - Hermanos Unidos on Dudley Street - on Sunday morning and shot the man when he wouldn't cooperate, according to the Boston Police Commissioner, Edward F. Davis. The owner and a customer who was in the store at the time were not harmed.

A resident who lived near the store called the victim a "grandfather figure" and said she has known him for over five years. "He's a familiar face that you wake up to everyday. You go in, say hello, and make conversation. He was a Christian. He was very kind. He never had anything bad to say about anybody or life itself," she told the Boston Globe.


One of the store's regular customers said he was a "sweet man" and always gave her "hugs and kisses."


Commissioner David said the Boston Police would be "working around the clock on this until we bring these people into custody." However, no suspects have been caught or identified and one reason for that could be because the store does not any type of surveillance cameras. Nearby businesses did have cameras and police are attempting to gain information from them, but if the store would have had its own cameras, things would be a lot easier for the Boston PD.

Convenience stores are one of the most dangerous places in the country. According to Crime Magazine, convenience store clerks fall victim to homicide more than any other occupation outside of police officers. Some cities have even created special task forces for convenience stores. Reasons for convenience store murders range from the amount of cash kept on hand to the small, easy layout of the store. Having quality security cameras installed in your convenience stores can not only save you, your customer and employees from violent crimes, but keep your business running smoothly by deterring would-be-criminals.

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Looking for a DVR or NVR Security Camera System? If so call today at 877-422-1907 x226 for a free phone consultation.

Even in a Fire, Restaurant Camera Comes Through

At 4:30 AM on November 9, 2009, Emory's restaurant on Silver Lake - an Everett, Washington landmark - was set on fire. Once the fire was extinguished, fire detectives found a surveillance camera in the rubble that was almost completely burned and destroyed, but a lot of hard work from the Everett Police Department's Video Forensic Unit led to a break in the case.

The task was said to be difficult and time-consuming but technicians managed to dry and salvage some shots from the camera. In the video, a man is seen walking toward the restaurant, right in the area where the fire is thought to have started, and leaving just minutes before the flames broke out. He is wearing a DC hooded sweatshirt, a baseball hat, shorts, and tennis shoes.

Robert Goetz of the Everett Police Department told local media that he hopes the release of the video will prompt someone who recognizes the suspect to call in with information. If you have information about the case, you can call the Everett Police Department tip line at 425-257-8450.
The owner of the restaurant says he plans to rebuild and that he hopes the guilt party comes forward on their own. The three-alarm fire, with reported 100-feet flames, burned through the restaurant's roof, causing severe damage. No one was injured in the fire. The restaurant should re-open this fall.

Even though there were no injuries, many local residents say they do not feel safe in their own neighborhood anymore. Resident Ron Moyer told a local news station, "When someone commits arson, that is an act of vengeance of passion and thereby there's danger involved." Another woman who enjoys walking in the area expressed similar concerns, "What can you do? Tell me what you can do about it. Crazy people go and burn something up because they don't like it."

You can view the salvaged video for yourself below:

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