Middletown seeks install their own doorbell cameras in problem areas

Middletown police say they not only applaud a neighboring agency’s effort use smart technology doorbells and outdoor video systems to catch criminals, they are doing the same.

Earlier this week, West Chester police announced an effort asking people in the township with a security camera or a doorbell camera, such as Ring, Nest or Blink, to fill out a questionnaire from a smartphone or computer.

MORE: Have a doorbell cam? West Chester Police are hoping you can help solve crimes 

Then a video or picture can quickly be shared with responding officers who will know what the criminal looks like before they get to the scene.

Middletown Police Maj. David Birk said the department has been doing the same thing for a few months. To date, 63 cameras have been registered, accoding to Shelley Meehan, communication and records supervisor.

Birk said he is also looking to take the use of the innovative the Ring cameras one step further for a surveillance of sorts.

“I have been looking into purchasing some of them then placing them in areas where surveillance is needed or there is a problem, with the understanding that we can have whatever it picks up.” Birk said. “I know other departments out have have done it.”

Birk termed the technology “ingenious” and said it is a much more cost-effective tool for officers assigned to watch a neighborhood for a thief or burglar.

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