BaseLine
07-14-2004, 01:33 PM
Webcam Helps Nab Home Invasion Suspects
DELTONA, Fla. -- Law enforcement officials in Volusia County said two teenage burglars were caught red-handed by a computer.
Deltona resident Leonard Meeks had left his computer’s webcam on Tuesday night, and it caught two teenagers breaking into his home, WESH NewsChannel 2 reported.
A friend of the victim, who lives more than 100 miles away, saw the footage taken by the webcam and alerted Meeks, as well as police.
"We just watched them walk up to the back door, come in and go through the house," Meeks said.
When police arrived, the two teenagers fled. They even borrowed a neighbor's cell phone.
Deputies eventually detained the two teenagers, which might not have been possible if the webcam had not broadcast the burglary all over cyberspace.
"Having friends secretly watch the house while people think that no one is home,” said John Dunn, Meeks' neighbor. "I would have never thought of that. It was such a great idea."
The suspects, ages 13 and 18, are believed to have used a knife to break into Meeks' home. They will most likely be charged with armed burglary.
A business that is doing 24/7 surveillance of your home by watching the videostream of your webcam... Could be profitable. :)
DELTONA, Fla. -- Law enforcement officials in Volusia County said two teenage burglars were caught red-handed by a computer.
Deltona resident Leonard Meeks had left his computer’s webcam on Tuesday night, and it caught two teenagers breaking into his home, WESH NewsChannel 2 reported.
A friend of the victim, who lives more than 100 miles away, saw the footage taken by the webcam and alerted Meeks, as well as police.
"We just watched them walk up to the back door, come in and go through the house," Meeks said.
When police arrived, the two teenagers fled. They even borrowed a neighbor's cell phone.
Deputies eventually detained the two teenagers, which might not have been possible if the webcam had not broadcast the burglary all over cyberspace.
"Having friends secretly watch the house while people think that no one is home,” said John Dunn, Meeks' neighbor. "I would have never thought of that. It was such a great idea."
The suspects, ages 13 and 18, are believed to have used a knife to break into Meeks' home. They will most likely be charged with armed burglary.
A business that is doing 24/7 surveillance of your home by watching the videostream of your webcam... Could be profitable. :)