WITH more and more residents installing CCTV cameras to safeguard their homes, footage of the brazen criminals in action is now emerging. In a recent post on the Marshall Security Facebook page, a would-be criminal was caught in the act of jumping over a gate on Portland Crescent, Durban North.

Though he did not steal anything, the footage shows the ease with which the man was able to gain access to the property. It shows the man sliding through the iron bars of the gate. He later emerges empty-handed.

Tyron Powell of the security company said the man had been identified in a number of house break-ins in the area.

“In this instance he did not make off with anything, but he has been involved in similar incidents in the area. He arrives on foot and is able to get onto the property,” Powell said.

Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North SAPS, said CCTV footage helps deter offenders and could also lead to their prosecution.

“When cameras are properly positioned, they can deter offenders and reduce the level of crime. CCTV footage can often provide invaluable evidence that leads to the identification of offenders,” he said.

In September last year, CCTV footage from a shop in Gateway captured a man stealing R20 000 in cash while his 14-year-old niece distracts the shop clerk.