What If You Catch a Burglar on Camera — Now What?
It’s a heart-stopping moment: you check your security camera feed and see an intruder in or around your home. Your first reaction might be panic, anger, or fear. But having that footage from your Kangaroo security camera means you're already a step ahead.
The question is, what’s the right next step when you catch a burglar on camera? Taking swift, smart action can make all the difference for your safety and for bringing the culprit to justice.
Immediate Steps: Your Safety is Paramount
Before you do anything else, prioritize your safety and the safety of anyone in your home.
DO NOT CONFRONT THE BURGLAR: This cannot be stressed enough. Material possessions can be replaced; your life cannot. Confrontation can escalate a dangerous situation.
SECURE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY: If you are home, gather everyone in a safe room, lock the door, and stay quiet. If you are away, do not return home until police have cleared the scene.
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY: This is your first and most crucial call. Inform the dispatcher:
Your name and address.
That you have visual confirmation of a burglary in progress (or a past burglary if you're discovering it after the fact) via your security camera.
If you know whether the intruder is still there.
Your current location (e.g., "I am away from home," or "I am locked in the master bedroom").
Any details you can see from the camera: description of the person, what they are doing, if they are armed.
Preserving the Evidence: Your Camera Footage is Key
Once you are safe and the police are on their way (or have been notified of a past event), your security camera footage is your most valuable asset.
DON'T DELETE ANYTHING: Even if the footage isn't perfectly clear, it might contain crucial details.
SAVE & BACKUP THE FOOTAGE:
Most modern security cameras, like Kangaroo's easy-to-use systems, offer cloud storage or options to download footage directly to your phone or computer. Our Kangaroo Indoor/Outdoor Cam and Doorbell Camera + Chime make accessing your recordings simple and intuitive.
Download the relevant clips as soon as possible. Make a backup copy if you can (e.g., on a USB drive or another cloud service).
NOTE THE TIMESTAMPS: Record the exact dates and times of the incident as shown on your camera footage.
AVOID TAMPERING WITH THE SCENE: If the burglary already occurred and you're discovering it upon returning home, try not to touch anything until the police arrive to collect forensic evidence.
Working with Law Enforcement
When the police arrive, provide them with all the information you have.
Share your footage: Explain that you have video evidence. Ask them the best way to provide it (e.g., email, USB drive, or showing it on your device). Clear footage, like that captured by Kangaroo’s HD cameras, can be invaluable for identification and prosecution.
Be detailed in your report: Describe everything you saw on the camera and anything that was stolen or damaged.
Ask for a case number: This is important for insurance purposes and for following up.
The Kangaroo Advantage in a Crisis
Having a reliable home security system isn't just about deterrence; it's about actionable intelligence when the unexpected happens. Kangaroo's range of affordable and easy-to-install security solutions are designed for moments like these:
Clear Visuals: Our cameras provide clear HD footage, day or night, making identification easier.
Easy Access: Quickly review live feeds or recorded events from anywhere via the Kangaroo app.
Professional Monitoring Option: With our Professional Monitoring plans, alerts can be sent to emergency services even if you can't make the call yourself, providing an extra layer of protection.
After the Incident: Next Steps & Prevention
Once the immediate crisis has passed and the police have investigated, there are a few more things to consider:
Contact Your Insurance Company: You'll need that police case number to file a claim for any stolen or damaged property.
Review Your Security:
What worked well? What could be improved?
Consider adding more cameras to cover blind spots or upgrading to a system with more features. Explore Kangaroo’s security bundles for comprehensive coverage.
Ensure your existing cameras are optimally positioned and functioning correctly.
Inform Your Neighbors: They may have seen something or have their own security footage that could help. This also raises community awareness. (For more on community safety, resources like the National Crime Prevention Council offer valuable insights.)
Prioritize Emotional Well-being: A burglary is a violation of your personal space and can be traumatic. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if needed. Victim Connect Resource Center is a helpful place to find support.
Peace of Mind is the Goal
Catching a burglar on camera is a stressful experience, but knowing what to do can empower you to handle the situation effectively. By prioritizing safety, preserving evidence, and cooperating with authorities, you increase the chances of a positive outcome.
At Kangaroo, we're committed to providing smart, simple, and affordable home security that gives you peace of mind. Because when you feel secure, you're free to live your life.
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