If you are on my porch, they can keep the video forever, as will I.
I’ve been ripped off once too often by porch pirates.
Anyone setting foot on my property better have a reason, such as delivering mail, because I think thieves should be flogged on the spot (for first offense, crucified thereafter), and stepping over my property line changes the status from ‘innocent until proved guilty’ to full-on Napoleonic code if anything of mine has disappeared.
I agree with you.
Growing up in my birth country, I recall a thief was caught doing petty burglary in a nearby house to ours. The neighborhood people beat the crap out of the thief with sticks. Guess what, there were no more burglaries in my neighborhood.
I do not propose going to that extreme, but surveillance camera’s are great, and only criminals fear them.
Why not rent a post office box?
My local post office allows me to receive packages using their street address, followed by Unit....(my post office box number is added after the word “Unit”).
I filled out a short form, and they also accept packages... and hold them for me...from UPS and Fed Ex.
How far out do they focus? Could your doorbell be co-opted to do surveillance work w/o your knowledge/permission?