Are Security Cameras a Good Deterrent

[Lois Ginter]

I have four properties next to each other, and live on the premises.  During the last year, I have had a few trespassing situations, a tenant threatened with a gun in front of the properties while walking his dog, an attempted break in, and then yesterday caught a squatter in an empty unit when I showed up to do a showing.  Additionally, crime in this city is off the charts.  Armed robberies and drive by shootings are a daily event.  No joking, five armed robberies on Christmas day. 

Seriously thinking about installing outdoor survailance cameras on the property, so at least I can ID perps or be alerted to trespassers.  How much do cameras deter crime?  If you installed a camera system, did you do it yourself, or hire someone?  I am looking at infrared cameras, where footage would be dumped to the cloud, and I can monitor on my smart phone.   Did you tenants object to the monitoring of their coming and goings?