Doorbell cameras have become popular in recent years. They are great at catching people in the act of theft or vandalism. They can increase home security not only for the homeowner, but for the community as well.

If you own a doorbell camera and have captured suspicious activity, have you wondered what you’re supposed to do with the images or video footage? If so, you’re not alone. Here are a few ideas of what you should do, and what you should not do, the next time you capture suspicious activity at your San Francisco home.

Call The Police To Report The Activity

When your doorbell camera captures a crime, such as vandalism or theft, you should contact the police as soon as you discover it. The police will come to your home and take a report of the events that took place. Be sure to provide the authorities with the footage from your doorbell camera. This is important evidence that can help them investigate further, and hopefully catch the criminals.

Refrain From Sharing On Social Media

This is an important thing to remember. Though some people have no problem sharing video footage from their doorbell cameras on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, it’s not advisable. When a person shares suspicious activity with the world before the police can investigate properly, it complicates the investigation.

There are problems that can occur when you share footage like this, such as retaliation upon your home and pending lawsuits. If you post a video from your doorbell security camera and accuse them of a crime, you can be charged with defamation of character if no crime was actually committed. If you see suspicious activity from the doorbell camera at your home in San Francisco, report it to the authorities and give them the footage to assist in their investigation.

Keep Your Doorbell Camera Secured

Doorbell cameras are a significant investment to your home security. Some models can cost as much as $500. Having a professional installation to ensure proper setup can add to the investment. Thieves know how expensive these items can be, and they have no problem stealing them right from your porch. Take these important steps to prevent your doorbell camera from being stolen:

• Use a protective case. You’ll prevent thieves from stealing your camera if you invest in a protective case to keep is secure.
• Update your settings. If your doorbell camera can’t be physically taken, it can be compromised. Cyber security is important, so check your device often for available updates to make it less vulnerable to a cyber-criminal attack.
• Enhance network security. After you update your device settings, make sure that your home network is secure. Hackers can try to exploit your doorbell camera to get access to the security network in your San Francisco home. Having safeguards in place can reduce this risk. Consider utilizing antivirus software, encryption, and a virtual private network (VPN) to enhance network security.