Video security cameras on residential properties are key to memorializing events as they occur and helping solve crimes after the fact. Video footage from these cameras have become extremely helpful in solving crimes and identifying perpetrators.
Case in point from one of our alert citizens utilizing this technology:
On 1/25/17 at approximately 9:15 a.m. a resident from the 2500 block of Woolner Ave received a text alert that the video security camera mounted above her front door had activated. The resident’s system alerts them via text message about motion in areas covered by the camera. The resident checked the video footage on her smartphone and saw the delivery of a package she had been expecting. The resident was surprised to be alerted a second time to the activation of her camera system at 11:15 a.m. and the video images of female suspect stealing her package from the front porch. The video also showed the suspect getting into a vehicle with a second suspect before driving off.
Alert Fairfield Police Officers Gene Carter and John Reed were in the area looking for the Purple PT Cruiser that was seen in the video. They located a vehicle matching the description and the female suspect a short distance away from the victim’s residence on the 2500 block of Raleigh Ct. The female and a male were detained during the investigation and the stolen property was recovered.
Positive identification of the female was made thanks to the clear video captured by the video security cameras on the victim’s residence. Without video this crime would not have been solved. Due to the high-definition video quality the suspects and their vehicle were clearly identifiable. The victims in this case were very pleased to be re-united with their delivery.
Arrested were Melissa Tarrance, 38 of Fairfield for Petty Theft and Criminal Conspiracy, and Michael Richerson, 39 of Fairfield for Petty Theft, Criminal Conspiracy and a Violation of Probation. The video in this case is evidence and will not be released at this time.
Anyone with information on front porch delivery thefts are encouraged to report it to the Fairfield Police Department at 707-428-7300. You can also call our Tip Line at 707-428-7345, Solano Crime Stoppers at 707-644-7867, or Text “TIP FAIRFIELDPD” followed by your message to 888777.
If you would like to learn more about home video security systems, the Fairfield Police Department will be hosting the second, in a series of Community Education Forums focused on that topic. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the Fairfield Council Chamber.
To register to attend the Video Security System Community Education Forum for free, please follow the link below:
https://goo.gl/5ygnmz
If you have questions, please contact Fairfield Police Crime Prevention Specialist Jeremy Profitt at (707) 428-7789.
