Manhattan Beach police asking for public's help accessing security cameras

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- With security cameras a constant fact of life in public areas these days, police departments are increasingly seeking help from private camera owners to solve crimes.[br /][br /]In Manhattan Beach, the police department is now asking residents and businesses to voluntarily register their exterior security cameras.[br /][br /]The program would not give police unrestricted direct access to the live feeds. Instead, it would just make it easier for investigators to contact a camera's owner to ask for surveillance footage which may help solve a crime.[br /][br /]"Whether it's facing a sidewalk, a parking lot, a public area - once they register with us, we can contact them, and retrieve that video," said Manhattan Beach police Lt. Christian Eichenlaub.[br /][br /]Most residents and businesses said they would be willing to help police with access to security footage as long as it is needed to help solve a crime[br /][br /]Manhattan Beach Mayor Mark Burton said he hopes the program sends a message to criminals:[br /][Ads /][br /]"We want to make sure that anyone who's thinking about committing a crime in Manhattan Beach (understands): Don't come here - you will be on camera and we will find you and we will arrest you."[br /][br /]A form to sign up for the program is [url HREF="http://www.citymb.info/Home/Components/Form/Form/fd7a6ffc28b548328ac72f303fcb6bce/2327[br /]" TARGET="" REL="nofollow"]available on the city's website[/url].