‘Caught on camera’ craze makes some feel uneasy

From surveillance to cell phones, the digital era means more eyes watching you.

In many cases, camera footage can help police catch criminals, but it gives some an uneasy feeling.

In Bernard Gifford’s house, keeping an eye on his neighborhood paid off. In November, the Colorado Springs man watched as a woman opened his mailbox and stole the mail inside. His surveillance cameras captured the whole thing.

“Some gutsy people that’s all I have to say,” Gifford said. “4:20 in the afternoon? She evidently didn’t know I had cameras all around the house.”

Colorado Springs police say because of Gifford’s video, officers have been able to identify a suspect and are currently searching for her.

CSPD has its own surveillance cameras around downtown Colorado Springs, looking out for suspicious activity.

“I think they’ve been an extreme positive for our community,” said Sgt. Michael Spitzmiller.

But some say they don’t like the idea of being watched.

“I don’t like the idea of just walking down the street and somebody watching. It’s a creepy feeling,” said Gordon Salladay, a Colorado Springs resident.

The rise in the number of cell phones has changed society. For more on the caught on camera craze, watch our video above.