Police Say Businesses Need Better Security Cameras - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

Monday's robbery at Gate City Bank, as well as recent ones at Red D Cash and Game Stop in Fargo are raising questions about the quality of surveillance cameras. Police say many cameras being used in businesses need improvements.

The pictures can be daunting, when looking at a robbery when weapons are involved. But can you really get a good look at the robber?

Aaron Knudson of Moorhead says, "You can barely see faces and he's really covered up."

"Horrible quality. I wouldn't be able to tell who that is," says Isaac Johnson of Fargo

"I think my cell phone would actually take a better picture," says Knudson.

And The Spy Shop owner Don Fischer agrees. He says, "When I look at these pictures, I kind of have to shake my head."

Fischer says many of his clients opt for the cheaper cameras, which affect quality.

"A low end camera, you'll be able to see the store and the people walking around, but you're usually not going to be able to identify them," says Fischer.

And since many of the burglaries happen when stores are closed or in the dark, having the right equipment is crucial. Fischer says multiple cameras in multiple locations is best.

"Or get a camera that's got a zoom on it to zoom in and see people clearly on that end of the store," adds Fischer.

In the last year there have been 411 burglaries in Fargo, and since August 8 strong armed robberies, with cameras helping to solve only one. And when police rely on people to help identify robbers, responses like this don't help.

"I wouldn't have a clue unless he's wearing exactly what he's wearing right there, then I'd be like, "wow, you look like the guy in the picture", but other than that, I'd never be able to tell," says Johnson.

Fargo police say that many businesses, including banks, should get better equipment. They say many businesses are using dummy cameras to try and ward off crime or are using outdated technology, which cannot be enhanced.

Here's something to keep in mind:

The owner of the spy shop says good security camera equipment starts around the $600 mark. Some ways to improve security camera pictures are to have multiple cameras and angles, have cameras closer to eye level rather then up in the corner of the room and to always make sure the machine is set to record.