One camera installer told the paper that his company now installs cameras on roughly 15 homes per month, compared to just one per month in recent years. Officials say that while they don't endorse any particular home alarm systems, security cameras can be an additional asset to police.
"I think it's a good idea in that it's a deterrent for a burglar and it's helpful to us," Bakersfield police Sgt. Mary DeGeare told the paper.
Police added that security cameras mounted on one resident's home captured footage of a suspected prowler in the local area, which has given police a good lead in the case.
The city itself is also installing a number of security cameras to help fight crime in the downtown bar area. Last month, the Californian reported that five new cameras will be up-and-running before the end of the year, and should allow the city to reduce the number of extra patrols it sends through the area on some nights.
