Keeping an eye on your property when you're away is becoming increasingly popular and security specialists say you can stop crooks in their tracks with surveillance cameras.
Here's an example of a surveillance system catching a criminal in the act.
"It makes me feel really safe," said Beaumont resident Tammy Abshire.
Five years ago Abshire moved into her Beaumont home and immediately installed an alarm system to keep her family safe.
"People are cutting through this street all the time, people are walking up and down the street all the time and that was a big concern of mine," said Abshire.
If someone breaks in Abshire's home or trips the motion detector her alarm system will sound.
"The event of an alarm going off it does a great job of deterring a potential theft from happening but it really doesn't tell you who did it," said security specialist Jonah Stinson.
Stinson says surveillance cameras paired with an alarm system can provide maximum protection.
And new technology makes it easier and more affordable to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
If you want to install a camera or alarm system in your home you can utilize remote technology to be able to view or control what goes on in the home from the palm of your hand with your cell phone or tablet.
"You can open a door, you can turn off and on lights," said Stinson.
When a thief sees a security sign or sticker Stinson says the bad guy is more likely to steer clear of your home.
"They're looking for an easy target, they're looking for somewhere they can get in and get out quickly," said Stinson.
Which gives Abshire some piece of mind.
"I know the house is protected under the alarm and if anyone tried to break in the police would be here within minutes," said Abshire.
A one camera system can start as low as a few hundred dollars and go into the thousands based on a persons needs or likes.
If you do decide to buy a security system you want to make sure it's installed by a state licensed company to insure that all installers have gone through the proper background checks.
