The increased presence of security and doorbell cameras in recent years has led to better arrest and conviction rates for property crimes and some other offenses according to Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson. He believes people would be surprised to learn how many times a day they are being recorded on some camera.

“Even in Newton Iowa, smalltown Iowa, there are cameras everywhere. So if you want to try to steal from people, there’s probably cameras watching. If you try to use something stolen in a store, there’s cameras watching. So I would encourage people to stop stealing, because we are going to catch you.”

Nicholson also encourages anyone who does not already have a doorbell, or ring camera at their residence, to get one.

“Everybody should have a ring camera for their own safety. Packages get stolen off porches, people siphon gas out of your vehicle in the driveway. Ring cameras discourage a lot of that.”

The Jasper County Attorney says he’s found that most people are very willing to provide authorities with the video from their doorbell cameras because they want to help, and he appreciates that.