Why Columbus is handing out home security cameras

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Doorbell cameras have been a game changer in helping police solve all kinds of crimes and the City of Columbus wants more residents to have this line of defense.  

The city is giving away 700 Ring Doorbell cameras to eligible residents to help reduce crime, calling it the Porch Protection Program. 

The program will be funded by the American Rescue Plan and would give residents the ability to have real-time video of their property.  

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said this is a great way to deter “porch pirates” this holiday season. 

“Not only does it frustrate the heck out of people, but it costs people a lot of money,” Klein said.

He said having a clear picture of a criminal can make all the difference for prosecutors. 

“This is a great way for us to have accountability for people that are, you know, really terrorizing neighborhoods, that are interrupting quality of life crimes that are, you know, causing problems for the folks in the City of Columbus,” Klein said.  

He said it’s not just porch pirates they are trying to stop. Klein said doorbell cameras have helped Columbus Police identify suspects all around the city.  

“It could be drive-by shootings,” he said. “It could be, you know, stolen vehicles, and this is a way, because of the high-resolution cameras that exist, for people to catch evidence that can be used in the prosecution of crimes so that we can get bad people off the streets," Klein said.  

Residents can apply to be a part of the lottery until Dec. 9. You must be 18 years or older and must earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Residents must own their home or have written notice from their landlord that it is OK to install a camera at their home.  

In order to be eligible to receive the camera you must live in one of 10 zip codes identified by Columbus police that have the highest crime: 43201, 43204, 43207, 43211, 43219, 43223, 43224, 43228, 43229, 43232.  

“We want folks to have a great holiday, a great Christmas, and we don't want it to be interrupted by a bunch of grinches,” Klein said.  

Klein said the city would not have access to the footage captured by the camera. If a crime occurs near you, it will be your decision on whether to share the footage. 

To enter the city's lottery for the cameras, click here.