Robbers stealing digital video recorders to mask their trail

Jaipur: Digital video recorders (DVRs) have become as valuable for thieves and robbers as gold and cash. According to DCP (crime) Paris Deshmukh, a new trend has emerged in the past few months wherein the accused would decamp with DVRs connected with CCTVs to mask their trail.
The investigators noticed that in some of the major cases of robberies in Galta Gate, Brahmpuri, and Ramganj, there were some similarities - the missing DVRs.
“We have advised business owners to rely on the server and cloud-based CCTV storage. Therefore, even if gangs try to steal DVRs or vandalize CCTVs, the visuals might still be preserved and could be easily retrieved,” he said.
Many leading financial and business establishments have been transforming their security arrangements by putting by surveillance visuals on cloud and server-based programs.
Deshmukh added that cloud and server-based services are slightly expensive to DVRs because they have recurrent charges, but they are a solid bulwark against thefts.
According to the police, a DVR is connected to CCTV and its chief task is to record videos in a digital format. The problem, however, is that new urban gangs are quite too familiar with CCTV technology.
Police said that CCTV visuals offer major clues to help identify the accused. “Thieves also know that CCTVs can land them in trouble. Stealing DVRs is the first thing they do after breaking into a house or shop,” said an official.
The officials believe DVRs should be properly hidden. However, in many cases, DVRs are mounted prominently on the walls which makes it easier for thieves to steal them.
Deshmukh also said that a little investment in modern CCTV tools can offer an extra layer of security.