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Greenfield homeowners share surveillance footage to help police solve crimes

Posted at 7:25 PM, Aug 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-08 19:25:42-04

GREENFIELD, Ind. -- Greenfield homeowners have teamed up with police to combat crime in their communities by sharing surveillance video in hopes of catching criminals in the act.

About 20 homeowners and business owners with security cameras have agreed to share their footage with Greenfield police, including Tim Plunkett, who has four cameras mounted in various locations outside of his home.

"If for some reason I can capture a crime or something that will help someone else solve a crime, I'm all for it. It also protects my family as well," said Plunkett.

In 2016, police used surveillance video to solve the murder of 52-year-old Patricia Dresser. The case involved 20-year-old Spencer Spielman, who was found guilty last month. 

PREVIOUSPolice: 20-year-old strangled 52-year-old Greenfield woman in robbery

Police said it was video obtained from a neighbor that led to the arrest.

“The suspect was developed relatively quickly,” said Lt. Randy Ratliff with Greenfield Police. “The video was important that it broke down a story he had told and was able to prove that the story he told wasn't true."

Business owners like Eric Fields have also pledged to help. His tree service business has eight cameras on his property.

"You can mind your own business and stay out of it, or you can step up and help somebody,” said Fields. “I think the world needs more people like that.”

 

Those living in Greenwood who are interested in joining the program can sign up here.