MILTON — Anyone considering committing a crime should know that, in many areas, someone is always watching.
While residents can access crime data and submit tips at the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office website, http://santarosasheriff.org, they now can help law enforcement another way: by registering a security camera with Crime Reports.
"That way, from our standpoint, if there's a crime in an area or subdivision, there are cameras there to see anything,” SRSO Public Information Officer Rich Aloy said. “It's great for vehicle burglaries and all kinds of different crimes."
While he couldn't provide specific numbers on how many crimes the roughly year-old system helped solve, Aloy said, "I can tell you numerous crimes have been solved with that type of activity.
“There was one in Gulf Breeze where there was a vehicle theft and we were driving around. I just happened to look over to a house and said 'Hey, they have a camera.' The guy was happy to help … With the super increase in vehicle burglaries, it's come in handy."
Aloy said he's encountered multiple residents who have told him they have security cameras and want to anonymously enroll in the program.
"The level they want to participate is up to them. We don't release identification but make sure everything (in public records related to the security camera owner) is redacted,” he said.
So, how does the program work?
"Your information is only provided to local law enforcement in case they need to contact you about a crime,” crimereports.com states. “… And, if a crime occurs near you, local law enforcement may contact you about your cameras to speed up their investigation."
To register your security camera, visit the SRSO website, http://santarosasheriff.org/crime-information/, and click "Search Crime Reports."
On the new window, in the upper right corner, click "Register a camera." You'll then be prompted to create an account.
Call Kim Purvis with Crime Prevention at 983-1236, or Kathy Stinson with the Crime Analyst unit at 983-1227 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: ALWAYS WATCHING