One of the first CCTV systems installed as a deterrent to crime, and to identify criminals was in New York City. The New York City Police department first installed a CCTV system in Times Square in 1973. According to many experts at the time, cameras would prevent crime. Soon shop owners along the streets wanted to catch vandals and shoplifters the same way. However, they simply could not afford a CCTV system. Shop owners instead opted for fakes or what they called knock offs. The outdoor dummy camera was soon to be popular. Today cameras are a part of everyone’s life. They are as common as the phone booth used to be.