NEWS
PUTTING A PINCH ON PORCH PIRATES
Doorbell cameras, security systems help homeowners and police identify suspects BY RICH ADAMS
The first patent for a home security system was filed in 1966 by a nurse from Queens, New York. Marie Van Britton Brown’s system, developed with the help of her electronics technician husband, Albert, monitored the front door through a camera linked to a television. A two-way intercom allowed her to speak with the person at the door, and a remote-control option enabled her to control the door lock from a safe distance. From that initial patent, the global home security market has exploded, and sales are expected to grow from $2.14 billion in 2018 10
to $4.37 billion by 2022, according to a news release from The Business Research Co. Products ranging from do-it-yourself systems to traditional companies such as ADT, Ring, SimpliSafe, Nest, LifeShield and more provide people with the necessary components to protect their homes. So how does this technology help residents and police catch a porch pirate? To begin with, home security systems assist law enforcement in identifying suspects in cases where packages are stolen. Robert Merritt, public information officer for
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
MARCH 2020
the Lansing Police Department, said the department’s investigation team has used and continues to use video captured by surveillance cameras and doorbell cameras. Homeowners in one case posted video on social media prior to contacting Lansing police, sharing the video on the Ring Neighbors app. “The suspects were identified as a result of this process. Lansing Police Department was contacted and began the investigation,” Merritt explained. “The detective team has completed the investigation. The detailed reports have been submitted to the Ingham
