By ASHLEY LYKINS Gazette Staff Writer

An individual vandalizing a Chillicothe building was caught by its owner who is living hundreds of miles away.

Ron Bettin, currently staying in Arizona, was able to get on the Internet and log in to a hard drive that stores up to 30 days of recordings from multiple cameras at the building he owns on South Hickory Street.

After a neighbor called his security company, which then contacted Bettin, a police report was filed. When Bettin reviewed the video and found a white male had used his elbow to break windows, as well as attempt to remove the air conditioner from a window, he sent multiple stills to the police department.

"We put (the system) in this past year," said Bettin. "The idea that it would allow us to monitor and record activity in and around our building 24 hours a day from wherever we are in the world is incredible."

While Police Chief Jeff Keener said the department members think they have a suspect for the incident that occurred shortly before 3 a.m. April 7, no charges have been filed yet.

He said more businesses have been taking advantage of the available technology now that costs are dropping.

"High-quality systems (are) being installed," he said, noting many retail buildings have had poor-quality video recordings that weren't as effective in the past. "The cost has dropped a lot on these miniature cameras. I think a lot of businesses owners are being proactive."

Keener said purchasing pricier equipment can be worth it in the long run.

"What we've been preaching is: spend a little bit more on higher-dollar cameras because it gives a higher resolution (picture)," he said.

The better images help law enforcement more easily identify the perpetrator, he added.

Bettin agreed, stating it's better to buy now instead of waiting until after a theft or vandalism happens.

"All of us have a responsibility to do what we can and be proactive with protecting our own property and interests," he said. "I think it would be ... foolish not to invest in a good system."

Rob Robson, owner of Security Engineering, told Bettin about the system that includes the digital video recorder, which he later installed. He said the security systems in general start in the $1,000 range and work their way up, depending on the sophistication desired.

"Lots of businesses have always wanted to put video in, but those were put on tapes and owners weren't always good at changing the tape after 30 days," he said. "It would wear out, and it was poorer quality. That technology has changed so fast."

Robson said a couple dozen businesses around Ross County have had the technology installed recently, which allows flexibility for its users.

"If you are on vacation and want to know what's going on, you can do that," said Bettin. "It gives you latitude and flexibility - that's why I did it ... I viewed it as a very prudent, worthwhile investment to make. There's no 100 percent guarantee, but I think we've done what we can to protect our interests and protect our property."

The police tried to lift fingerprints from Bettin's air conditioner, but the device's texture wasn't conducive to getting prints, said Keener. The pictures from the camera are a few of the options left for catching the suspect.

He added there's been a bit of an increase recently in break-ins, but he's not sure why.

"The weather is starting to warm up a little bit, which gives them more time to prowl around at night," he noted as a possibility."

A crime committed against one's property feels like a crime against the owner, said Bettin.

"Once you've had something stolen or had a theft or break-in, you really feel personally violated," he said. "It's hard to explain to people who haven't had that happen ... I think that technology has become affordable enough that is gives property owners an opportunity to increase the security of their buildings and property ... It's just one more tool in addition to motion detectors and lights."