New technology helps police nab criminals

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A robber breaks into a foreclosed home thinking he's about get away with some very expensive loot, but within minutes police officers are on his tracks.

Officers were tipped off by operators at Safeguard Security. 

When alarms are tripped, the new technology allows operators to see what is happening through "live" cameras.

"Our operators can actually view these clips and determine if actual criminal activity is taking place or if it's something like an animal that tripped the motion detector," said Travis Moss, with Safeguard Security.

If it's an actual crime, operators dispatch police.

ABC15 spoke with officers who say anytime someone can tell them what they see before they arrive it helps speed up response time and investigations.

"If we can actually prove that something is taking place...they're thrilled, they want to get out there and capture criminals," said Moss.

Moss said the new technology also allows operators to see if it's a false alarm before police are dispatched.

"False alarm fines are costly, not only do they cost the tax payers and police department, but they also cost the homeowner or business owner every time you have to send the police out to an alarm that isn't actually activity," he said.

The new surveillance system is being used by both companies and homeowners.