Cops: Cameras help nab thief

Published 4:06 am Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Brewton police officers have put an end to a case that has involved several months of investigation into several burglaries at downtown Brewton businesses — thanks to the random placement of cameras.

Terry Darnell Jones, 45, was arrested Friday on a third-degree burglary charges.

Investigator Steven Ferguson said the arrest came after surveillance cameras had been placed at a business last week.

“During the course of this investigation we have used several different tactics in trying to apprehend the culprit in these cases,” Ferguson said. “Just last week, we placed cameras at a business and were able to capture images when the business was burglarized. We got lucky and were able to identify Jones. We made the arrest Friday.”

Ferguson said additional manpower had been used throughout the investigation in an attempt to stop the burglaries downtown.

“We had even had some of our officers on rooftops during this investigation,” Ferguson said. “Some of our officers were a day shift and then worked a night shift in order for us to have additional officers on duty trying to catch the person in these cases. We increased our foot patrol and even had additional lighting turned on at night while we conducted the investigation.”

Although Jones has only been charged with one count of third-degree burglary, Ferguson said other charges could be added.

“We will continue this investigation and keep the case open,” Ferguson said. “Thanks to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department we have come in contact with some new equipment and have put it to good use.”

Ferguson said the success found in using the surveillance cameras has lead to additional surveillance being planned by the Brewton Police Department.

“We are going to continue using this equipment in the future,” Ferguson said. “It’s mobile equipment, so we can move it around town as we sit fit at any time. This will give us a better idea of what goes on around town at any time of the day or night.”

Jones was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center where he was booked on the charges against him.