What to Do If Your Security Camera Captures a Crime in Sydney

If you are one step back and still thinking about getting a security camera installation in Sydney, this is one of those situations where you’ll be glad you did. A good security system isn’t just there to record—it’s there to help prevent crime and assist the police when something does happen. And with advanced security cameras, you can capture crystal-clear footage that could make all the difference in an investigation. 

We will go through each step so you know exactly what to do if your security camera catches something you didn’t expect.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First thing to do is to not panic. Seeing something suspicious or even outright criminal on your security footage can be shocking, but keeping a level head will help you handle the situation better. Ask yourself these three questions and try to think of the answers as well. 

What exactly happened? When did it happen? Who’s involved?

If the crime is happening in real time, your immediate focus should be on safety—more on that in a moment. If you're reviewing past footage, take your time to analyse it before jumping to conclusions.

Step 2: Ensure Your Safety Before Taking Action

If the crime is unfolding live on your security feed, do NOT try to be a hero. Your personal safety (and that of your family or employees) comes first. Stay inside and lock all doors and windows if the crime is happening near your home. If you’re at a business, ensure your employees and customers are safe. Once you have done that, immediately call 000 and provide as many details as possible.

Step 3: Secure and Back Up the Footage

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming their footage will always be there when they need it. Security cameras can overwrite old recordings, storage can become full, or technical glitches can erase crucial evidence. 

Here’s how to make sure your footage is safe:

Save a copy immediately to your phone, computer, or an external drive.

Use cloud storage if your camera has the option, this prevents loss if your camera is damaged or stolen.

Take screenshots of key moments, like clear images of the suspect’s face, their vehicle, or any weapons.

Note the date and time to help law enforcement with their processes.

Step 4: Contact the Police and Report the Incident

Once you’ve backed up the footage, it’s time to call the police if you haven’t already. Even if the crime is minor, reporting it can help prevent future incidents. When speaking with the police, make sure you have the exact time and date of the incident, a description of what happened, any details of the suspect, and a copy of the footage if they ask for it.

Step 5: Share the Footage If Necessary

In some cases, sharing security footage with the public can help catch a suspect faster. You’ve probably seen viral clips of thieves caught on doorbell cameras or CCTV footage shared in community groups. However, get advice from the police first whether or not that is a good idea, and if all lights are green, ensure to blur out faces of innocent bystanders. 

Step 6: Inform Your Neighbours or Nearby Businesses

If your camera captured a crime, there’s a good chance others in your area might be affected too. Whether it’s a break-in, vandalism, or a suspicious individual lurking around, notifying your neighbors or nearby businesses can help them stay vigilant. Ensuring that you talk to your neighbours, notify your local Neighbourhood Watch (if you have one), and contact other businesses nearby, can help out other potential victims.

Step 7: Upgrade or Improve Your Security Setup

If your security camera caught a crime, that’s a sign your system is doing its job—but it might also mean there’s room for improvement. Take this as an opportunity to level up your security. You could consider adding more cameras or upgrading them with better resolution, integrating a back-to-base alarm system, or even installing motion-activated lights. The goal isn’t just to catch criminals but to prevent future incidents from happening.

Try Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive

Catching a crime on a camera can be unsettling, but knowing what to do afterward makes all the difference. By saving and sharing the footage properly, working with law enforcement, and improving your security measures, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping make Sydney a safer place for everyone.

And if you haven’t yet installed a system, now might be the time to consider investing in security cameras or look into advanced security cameras that can provide even clearer, smarter monitoring.

At the end of the day, security isn’t just about reacting to crime—it’s about staying ahead of it. Stay safe, stay aware, and keep your community informed.