Home security cameras are becoming increasingly common as people seek ways to protect their homes and families. While they are often used to deter crime or catch porch pirates, they are also increasingly being used to solve more serious crimes.
In this article, we’ll take a look at eight shocking crimes that were caught on home security cameras. These cases highlight the importance of having a home security system, as they can provide vital evidence that can help to bring criminals to justice.
Attempted Home Invasion in Kent, Washington
In Kent, Washington, a married couple returning home from a casino encountered a masked man with a gun at their front door. The incident, captured on their Ring doorbell camera, showed the suspect attempting to force his way into the house. Thanks to the homeowner’s quick thinking and the footage from the camera, police were able to obtain a clear image of the suspect and were actively searching for him.
A man in a gray hooded sweatshirt, mask, and gloves attempts to open a door while brandishing a handgun.
Suspects Followed Couple Home in Colorado
A couple in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, narrowly escaped a potential robbery when two suspects followed them home from a walk. The terrifying incident, captured on their home security camera, showed the masked suspects approaching their front door, with one pulling out a gun. Luckily, the sound of the door slamming shut scared the suspects off. The footage also showed the suspects fleeing in a waiting car, and police believed they were involved in an armed robbery shortly after.
Woman Found Sleeping in Child’s Bed in Oregon
A Portland, Oregon, woman received a shocking notification from her home security camera, which showed a stranger sleeping in her son’s bed. Kelsey Smith had left her door unlocked for contractors, but it was 54-year-old Terry Zinzser who found her way inside. The footage captured Zinzser entering the home and making her way to the child’s room. Smith, alerted by her barking dogs, discovered the intruder and yelled at her to leave. Zinzser, who had a history of similar incidents, was later arrested for allegedly entering another woman’s home and sleeping in her bed.
A woman is sleeping on a child's bed. A dog is looking on in the doorway.
Chilling Discovery: Body of Child Found in Wagon
In a disturbing case out of Harahan, Louisiana, surveillance footage captured a woman casually pulling a wagon containing the body of a six-year-old girl. The woman, identified as 43-year-old Hannah Landon, was the girlfriend of the child’s father. Landon was accused of killing the child, Bella Fontanel, and then placing her body in a bucket inside the wagon. The footage showed Landon calmly walking down the street with the wagon, even as cars passed by. The child’s body was discovered by her biological mother on her front lawn. Landon was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
Quick-Thinking Homeowner Thwarts Attempted Home Invasion in Connecticut
A homeowner in Connecticut foiled an attempted home invasion by a suspect posing as a delivery person. The incident, captured on a front porch camera, showed the suspect approaching the home wearing an orange vest and holding a package. As the homeowner opened the door, the suspect lunged forward, but the homeowner quickly shoved him back, causing him to stumble down the steps. The suspect fled to a waiting truck, but thanks to the camera footage, police were able to identify and arrest him, along with his getaway driver.
A man in an orange vest rings the doorbell of a brick home.
Man in Mickey Mouse Shirt Attempts Home Invasion
A bizarre home invasion attempt in Mandeville, Louisiana, was caught on camera, showing a man wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt attempting to force his way into a home. The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Darren Cavalier, was armed with a machete, wrench, and screwdriver. The footage showed him banging on the door, yelling at the residents, and even striking the door with the machete. When confronted by a woman inside the home, Cavalier claimed he believed his girlfriend was inside. Police arrested Cavalier, who they believed was under the influence of drugs, and charged him with aggravated attempted burglary.
Elderly Couple Forced into Closet During Home Invasion
An elderly couple in Portsmouth, Virginia, was terrorized during a brazen daylight home invasion. The incident, captured on their home security camera, showed two armed men forcing their way into the home and ordering the couple into a linen closet. One suspect could be seen rummaging through the house, taking cell phones and other belongings, while the other stood guard over the terrified couple. The suspects fled the scene with a safe and a wallet. Thankfully, the couple was not injured during the ordeal. The footage helped police identify the suspects, leading to their arrests.
An elderly woman is being forced into a closet by a man in dark clothing wearing a face covering.
Gun Jam Saves Man During Attempted Robbery
A Las Vegas, Nevada, man had a narrow escape when a would-be robber’s gun jammed during an attempted robbery. The incident, caught on a Ring camera, showed the victim returning home and being approached by a man demanding his belongings. As the victim ran, the suspect pulled out a gun and attempted to shoot him, but the gun malfunctioned. The footage showed the suspect fumbling with the weapon as the victim managed to escape. The footage helped police identify and apprehend the suspect, who was arrested in Arizona.
These eight cases are just a small sample of the many crimes that are caught on home security cameras every day. As you can see, these cameras can be invaluable tools for both deterring and solving crimes. If you’re considering getting a home security system, these cases should convince you of their importance.
