Crime

Cheap Camera Thwarts Apartment Break-in After E-mailing Live Photos to Resident

Robbers may think twice about stealing from the IT-savvy Levent Cetiner who installed a motion-sensor camera in his apartment in case of intrusion. As time goes on, more homeowners and renters are using the relatively inexpensive technology.

Watch Cetiner explain how the camera he set up for less than $50 helped alert him about a break-in and subsequently identify the man who unlawfully entered his home:

The New York Post reports that Cetiner, a 30-year-old IT specialist at the at the School of Visual Arts in Gramercy, as saying he installed the camera hoping it would never need to be employed:

I live on the top floor and thought it would be easy for someone to come in off the fire escape,” Cetiner told The Post.

“I hoped I wouldn’t actually have to use it, but I thought it was a good idea to have. Plus, I work in IT, and I thought it would be a cool thing to play with.”

It turns out it was a good idea to have it after all. When Cetiner received e-mailed photos of a man who was later identified by authorities as José Perez-Quinonez, he called the cops and jetted home. The Post reports that Cetiner banged on the door, yelling that he had caught the robber on camera and police were coming:

“He had packed up my own backpack with the stuff he was stealing!” Cetiner said. “He even took the [computer] chargers! Those are the two most important things I have. I play piano and have been recording on my laptop. If I lose it, I can’t get that stuff back.”

But before the suspect fled, he found the camera monitor that Cetiner had alerted him to by screaming through the door — and even took the time to hide it.

“He must’ve ripped the camera off before we got in,” Cetiner said. “At first, I thought he took it, but it was hidden under my bed.”

As Cetiner stated in the video, Perez-Quinonez was not found with any goods in his possession, but the Post reports that the backpack was found dropped and Perez-Quinonez was inevitably caught.

Earlier this year, a woman set up a camera in her home only to find that her friend was breaking in and stealing pain pills. Watch the local news report:

In yet another case, while at work, a woman watched several men looting her home. Here’s footage and her 911 call from the 2009 break-in:

Comments (78)

1 2
  • AB5r
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Would people want this recording them all time when they are home or do they have to constantly remember to turn the thing off and on every time they get home or leave? Unless you have a switch near the door that makes it real easy it would be sort of a pain to keep track of. Because if it is hidden you would forget about it, out of sight out of mind.

    Report Post » AB5r  
    • ICanComment
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 1:32pm

      In his case it sounds like he used a webcam and some free or inexpensive software. That’s all you can buy for under $50. Basically you set up the software before you leave for the day. I’m guessing that some software apps can be set up to record on a schedule. That way it‘s automatic and you’d never have to worry about turning it off when you’re home. It works especially well in a small-ish apartment because you only need a computer and a webcam to cover main points of entry.

      Now granted, I‘ve never used any of this stuff but I’ve thought about it and researched it.

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 1:37pm

      I have some that come on when the alarm is activated, have a couple of outside ones that film 24/7 around my lake, had troubles with welfare blacks coming and stealing all my fish while my family was out making a living.

      Report Post »  
    • jungle J
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:30pm

      only if you were stupid.

      Report Post »  
    • Nyle
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 7:10pm

      On some of them you can schedule them to no record during certain hours automatically. That Keebox camera is like $79 new from newegg so I don’t know where he got it for $50. Must have bought it used.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBloodOfTyrants
      Posted on December 22, 2011 at 11:53am

      “Welfare blacks.” I lol’d

      Report Post » TheBloodOfTyrants  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:26pm

    I wonder if this guy is an OWS supporter? If so, the irony…………

    Report Post » ozchambers  
    • lukerw
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:30pm

      It so sad… that it has come to this!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 1:03pm

      Seriously, Ozchambers? Try again.

      Everything isn’t some Playdoh for you to twist into a bludgeon against your perceived political enemies.

      Now, with that said, these guys are here to keep you safe.

      http://www.infowars.com/louisiana-state-officials-call-for-troops-on-streets/

      Ready for Martial Law?

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • ozchambers
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:09pm

      Hey V-Man, you need to understand that I am completely aware of the problem of police when rights are violated. When it happens its bad, real bad. I’ve seen the videos of the gun confiscation by national guardsmen and police after Katrina. Those people were simply citizens at home ready to defend their property and family. I’ve seen the overwhelming proliferation of SWAT mentality into too many police forces. There are very few police forces that have a true need for the weaponry, vehicles and tactics employed by SWAT. I’ve reported and posted several times about the senseless deaths of citizens as a result of the raid style SWAT tactics employed in what used to be and still should be routine warrant issuances. BUT…I know and have known police officers. My stepfather was a police officer decades ago before beginning a career in CIA. You paint ALL police officers in this negative, liberty hating light and it simply isn’t accurate. The majority of them are decent Americans and your endless rants against them paint you in an anarchist light. Far too many of the OWS protestors spend their time insulting, attacking, goading, trying to instigate decent police officers into a perceived rights violation situation. The rest of the time OWS kids are decrying the sins of Capitalism and extolling the virtues of communism. “End the Fed!” is about the only sign at an OWS rally that I agree with.
      And yes, I’m ready.

      Report Post » ozchambers  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:27pm

      If they aren’t Oathkeepers, I’m not standing near them.

      Period.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • Workforit
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:26pm

    Just add a self tracking, remotely triggered M16 and you’ve got yourself some effective high tech home defense!

    Just the project for some well meaning IT guy or gal

    Report Post »  
    • Wu Ming Ren
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:01pm

      Not that such a thing is legal, but that‘s the one you’ll want to remember to turn off before entering.

      Report Post »  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 6:51pm

      WU,
      Or you can give your home keys to your mother in law….

      Report Post » GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
    • madasblazes
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 9:19pm

      I guess you know that is illegal…
      Anyway, that recording of the two black kids is reeeaaalllyyy old.

      I got a fake recorder-camera for $5.oo at Sam Moons and it moves and blinks with movement.
      Had a couple of guys come in and haul off donated furniture and made them very uncomfortable “being recorded”.
      Also have the real thing too. Highly recommend. Yes, it has come to that :)

      Report Post »  
  • LastingLiberty
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:21pm

    I install alarms systems for a living and this video is pretty typical. The only thing I‘m surprised about is that they didn’t kick the dog. Been into a few home where an animal was injured cause of some punk.

    Report Post »  
  • Mattsbay18
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:21pm

    I’m confused. Was the thief rummaging through the living room, kitchen or bathroom? Or all of the above?

    New York apartments are tight.

    Report Post »  
    • BlackAce41
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:40pm

      all of the above

      Report Post » BlackAce41  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:20pm

      Not to be rude but how would you know.I’ve seen pictures of the apts there.They are so small that I’d be afraid of passing gas and getting methane poisoning.No joke I’ve seen closets bigger than many of them

      Report Post »  
  • Whatdoesntkillyou
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:13pm

    I’m surprised the would be thief got through that place without tripping over something and breaking his stinking neck. Great before scene for a house cleaning company ad campaign. OY VEY!

    Report Post »  
  • crypticguise
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:58am

    These mongrels certainly “dress the part”. No, I do not wish to live in an area where “yutes” like this are prevalent. I can see the future and it looks a lot like “Escape from New York”. What ever happened to Snake Pliskin?

    Report Post »  
    • sgtstubbs
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:27pm

      Good trick is leave a 20 dollar on the kitchen counter, if to goes missing just all the LEOs do not enter. Next which is a little strange, buy a pistol that is really in bad shape and load it with over loaded ammo……It will blow your hand off. By the way, you can get a 6 cam and wireing for about 700 bucks….

      Report Post » sgtstubbs  
  • SONOFNANYE-HI
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:57am

    I‘m suprised the one burgler didn’t trip and fall with his trouser’s crotch almost to the knees. What’s up with that?

    Report Post » SONOFNANYE-HI  
    • Bub47
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:01pm

      It gets them ready for leg-chains.

      Report Post »  
  • Stu D. Baker-Hawk
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:49am

    Our laws should read: You steal, you lose your hand. You steal again, you lose your other hand. You steal a third time, you forfeit your life. End of story.

    BTW, I’m pretty sure the first amputation will permanently set a lost soul on the straight and narrow.

    Report Post »  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:59am

      You live in Dearborn?

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • RightUnite
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:00pm

      Amen Stu!

      Report Post »  
    • macpappy
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:23pm

      You are Muslim right? Here in America we don’t cut off hands, feet, heads, sex organs to make a lawful point. After you have been here a few years you may understand that we are a nation of laws and for a B&E we might put you in prison, but we let you keep the hands you might make a living with, after you get out of prison.
      You are a barbarian, and you are the one that needs to be watched more than a thief.

      Report Post » macpappy  
  • MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:25am

    You notice the thieves are dressed, well, like thieves? Ever feel guilty about wanting to avoid people dressed like these men? Stereotypes don’t come out of nowhere. The image you choose to present to the world does matter and you’re not crazy for paying attention to what people loudly announce through their clothing even though political correctness will say that you are. Daddy was right, it does matter what you wear and what values are implied.

    Report Post » MommyNeedsMoreCoffee  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:36am

      I have to agree with that, my friend and me conducted a experiment yesterday where I travelled dressed well (not in a suit, just nicely) while she went in a riot of clothing non-matching, disheveled in look and such. We got treated with disdain by most people – who would not talk to her yet would to me assuming I was her “guardian or caregiver.”

      Many were people who in this area do have that ‘holier than thou’ style of atitude.

      It opened more than a few eyes among the church goers who were watching this all from nearby, to see just how their own reactions to people can be influenced by dress and conduct.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • cemerius
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:15am

    If I was racing home the Cops better beat me there!! Click Click Bang CCW and Castle Law!!! I see a crow bar in the last video and that is a lethal weapon!!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
    • Patriotic_Mercenary
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:21pm

      My brother was at his home when he was accosted by his ex-girlfriend’s latest boyfriend. The fellow had some sort of disagreement with him and wanted to take it out on my brother physically. Little did he know that my brother was prior Infantry and did a good amount of hard, physical labor..meaning he was quite up to the task of giving as well as receiving. After having given the fellow a good thrashing, he called the cops to report the incident.

      While discussing it with the officer, he was told that, if he’d gone back into his bedroom and pulled one of his guns and shot the man, he would have been charged for manslaughter/murder.

      I totally disagree with this assessment. If the man had stayed and decided not to leave, then forcible removal is necessary. It doesn‘t matter if I’m in the front, back or outside. If I find the need to retrieve a weapon to defend myself, family and/or home, then I feel that the reason for me to shoot the assailant is necessary. Especially if he insists on staying when told to leave.

      And this was in Idaho, of all places…! It’s mind-boggling to see that my home State is coming to while I’m away.

      Report Post » Patriotic_Mercenary  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:38pm

      @patriotic
      What is missing is how the perp make contact.If he lied in wait after breaking into his home or broke in while he was there he would have been in the right to shoot him.If the assailant was armed or of even strenght then he would have been in the right to shoot him.He was in the right to kick his tail.
      If the assilant is much stronger larger has weapons or you had true fear for your life then he would have been right.If you are wondering why its that way.It prevents someone from framing the innocent.
      Its common in domestic battery[especially muslims]to claim they feared for their safety or life from their wife girlfriend as an excuse for beating them half to death.Weapons falsefication if shes trained to use them is common.Police now reconize that in that situation if she had of used weapons he wouldn’t be there to talk to them.They realize the victim really is a victim.Just so you know some of the real reasons behind, that which on the surface might not make sense.

      Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:14am

    So glad they nabbed the perp.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:13am

    A lot of good those two dogs did in the Boynton Beach video…time to trade ‘em in for a couple Rotties.

    Report Post » MommyNeedsMoreCoffee  
    • cemerius
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:21am

      Actually a Chihuahua (sp) is the best they make ALOT of noise and if your rott or attack dog did bite a thief they could sue you!!! Best to have alarms/cams and for those precious moments when they enter your house while you are home? Live fire exercise in full affect :)

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:56am

      Yes .. the insurance industry a few years ago listed Chihuahua’s as the top .. WATCH dog. Not attack dog .. but they WILL let you know if anything is wrong. I have had them since the 1970‘s and I can tell you they aren’t like the big watch dogs .. that can be quieted by a piece of meat or other treat .. they WILL continue to alert.

      I have been considering installing one of these cameras … going to get one .. for when I am not home.

      Report Post »  
    • AlansTigg
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:52pm

      my boxer is a great watch dog, nice big bark (big head to go along with it), doesn‘t bark without a reason and WILL NOT eat anything when he’s on alert, even I’m the one giving it to him to try to get him to be quiet, lol

      Report Post » AlansTigg  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 3:48pm

      I love dogs.The best dog I['ve ever seen for true protection is a hound.Lovable, loyal, good with kids ,and god help the soul who enters their masters house without the master.Hounds as pets can still be used as jump and runner dogs in hunting.[Most are gun shy and won't do well as close dogs]
      Most of you may not know this one of the best silent alarms of sorts is a house cat.Mine let me know when anything prowls[Yes they meow like a dog barks-all three]I’ve one that behaves like a lab at point.The other is odd he sits up and alerts like a prarie dog.They are what I call whoofie-cats.They think they are dogs and no they weren’t raised around any dogs.,

      Report Post »  
  • another_mormon_4_Ron_Paul
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:04am

    The video was fascinating, but I didn’t get any audio of the 911 call, just a bird chirping in the background. The 911 call would have been interesting.

    Report Post »  
  • proliance
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:59am

    I’ve considered buying motion sensor cameras, but since the first thing the crook would steal is the computer its connected to…

    Report Post » proliance  
    • AB5r
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:06am

      That is why you have it send the images to an e-mail account then the pictures are on their server. There is probably a way to do the same thing with the video.

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • cemerius
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:14am

      Wireless technology helps…..

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • rafa2design
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:22am

      You can also tether your computer/laptop to a security cable and a permanent fixture. All computers have a slot for this. I run a webcam from my computer that is set up this way for security purposes. They can steal the cam but the video/images remain.

      Report Post » rafa2design  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:58am

    That’s an apartment?

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • diablosho
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:57am

    Can’t we rig up explosives to blow the whole house up, and then blame it on the intruder? Then you get home-insurance payments, the robber’s dead, they blame the robber, and you don’t go to jail? Sounds like wins all around (except the robber, of course, but who cares about him?)!

    Report Post »  
    • AB5r
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:09am

      Booby traps are tempting but apparently not really all that legal. Plus you could end up killing an innocent person. But I like that idea too, maybe have a shotgun blast someone entering your door or something like that. But then your friends are entering to set up a surprise party and ooops, houston we have a problem.

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • MommyNeedsMoreCoffee
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:30am

      Diablosho…I think I love you….

      Report Post » MommyNeedsMoreCoffee  
    • Workforit
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Who said anything about a booby trap?

      It was a gas leak! I swear!

      Report Post »  
    • GrumpyCat
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 1:13pm

      DIABLOSHO, you need to rent the Full Metal Panic animes. There are at least 3 series of at least 12 episodes each. You‘ll love Sousuke Sagara’s problem solving techniques. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousuke_Sagara

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:54am

    Oh…look…two of the protected, special race people burglarized his home…he should be honored…that they didn’t burn it.

    Report Post »  
    • MONIFICENT
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:16pm

      Nothing to say about the first video. I know it (the video) must have been photo shopped cause only blacks steal in this country .

      Report Post »  
  • Captain Crunch
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:54am

    I have two cameras set up. One inside, one outside. I can watch live over the internet while it records video and stills. To get in they have to get past my big dog. If they get past the dog there is an evn worse deterrant waiting for them. It wont be a good day for them. All boasting aside, everyone should have some kind of security set up. A thief is a thief is a thief and will steal from you when you least expect it.

    Report Post »  
  • HopsScotch
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:53am

    This would be a great opportunity to advertize your motion sensing emailing camera.
    Sales would go through the roof.

    Report Post »  
  • SREGN
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:42am

    Couple this system with aimable tazer or tranq darts, then you’ve got something.

    Report Post »  
    • BrotherWill
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:47am

      I would prefer a mini-gun w/3000 round drum.

      Report Post » BrotherWill  
    • lynnissmart
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:48am

      Good idea!!!

      Report Post »  
    • DavidZion
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:57am

      But a Mini gun would destroy your house and the stuff their stealing

      Report Post » DavidZion  
    • Captain Crunch
      Posted on December 21, 2011 at 11:00am

      Here is a way to go to jail for manslaughter by killing a burglar, fireman, policeman, etc… Just set up a shotgun in a stratigic location with a trip line on the trigger. You’ll not like what the judge does to you.

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:40am

    Just an Obama occupier stealing from the greedy 1%…….

    Report Post »  
  • 11:11
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:32am

    this is definately the year of divine retribution, what comes around goes around, and people are being prepared, criminals beware!

    Report Post » 11:11  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:31am

    Sad we must employ cameras in our homes – especially for people who are supposed “friends”. I do love the ingenuity though.

    Report Post » bhelmet  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on December 21, 2011 at 10:29am

    I put one of these up to watch my liberties. I keep getting email pics of Obama.

    Report Post » ozchambers  
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