Cameras capture crime scenes but don't always guarantee justice in Lithuania

In Kaunas, Lithuania, surveillance cameras are a common sight, often becoming a crucial part of criminal investigations. Police confirm they regularly utilize footage, though they do not maintain specific statistics on how often these recordings lead to breakthroughs.

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If the crime scene or circumstances related to it fall within the camera's field of view, such recordings are useful in investigating all criminal offenses.

However, the presence of a camera does not guarantee a solved case. The quality of the footage is paramount. Investigators note that poor image resolution, insufficient lighting, or an unfavorable camera angle can render recordings useless. Similarly, if a suspect's face is obscured or a vehicle's license plate is unreadable, the video evidence loses its investigative value.

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The perpetrator of the incident could not be identified in the end because there was a lack of evidence.

One Kaunas resident, Ieva (name changed), shared a frustrating experience from six years ago. After being injured by a projectile from an air-gun in Draugystės Park, she discovered that a nearby surveillance camera, which she believed would help identify the perpetrator, was not functioning. The lack of usable evidence ultimately meant the culprit was never found.

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Cameras slightly protect against situational theft, but only in cases where the motive arises suddenly. If thefts are carried out professionally, the risk of cameras is assessed and resolved.

Criminologist Gintautas Sakalauskas expresses skepticism about the deterrent effect of cameras. He suggests they may have a minor impact on spontaneous crimes like petty theft but are unlikely to deter individuals who meticulously plan their offenses. "Cameras can help investigate crimes, but again, only a very limited number of them," Sakalauskas stated, emphasizing that their primary benefit often lies in post-crime analysis rather than prevention.

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Cameras can help investigate crimes, but again, only a very limited number of them.