A Massachusetts resident’s home security camera helped police identify a break-in suspect within hours, according to Milford police.
The Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a call around 6:32 a.m. Friday, June 26, from a resident in the West Walnut Street area. The resident reported seeing a man enter her home on a CCTV system, according to the Milford Police Department.
Police said detectives reviewed the footage and identified the suspect as Cristian Romero, 24, of Milford.
The case highlights the value of clear home-security footage during the first hours of an investigation. A useful clip can help officers confirm the entry point, compare clothing, check prior cases, and locate a suspect while the information is still fresh.
Police Say the Footage Helped Identify the Suspect
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Milford police detectives reviewed the CCTV footage and identified Romero as the suspect. Police said the footage matched an April 27 Milford Police Department press release connected to a previous breaking-and-entering arrest.
Officers Found Him on Main Street
At about 10:20 a.m., members of the Milford Police Patrol Division and Detective Bureau located Romero walking on Main Street.
Police said he was wearing the same clothing seen in the CCTV footage. He was arrested and brought to the Milford Police Department for booking.
The Charges Include Breaking and Entering
In addition to open charges from the April 27 arrest, Romero was charged with breaking and entering a building at nighttime for a felony, breaking and entering a vehicle or boat at nighttime for a felony, and two counts of attempted larceny.
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino called illegal entry into homes and vehicles one of the most invasive crimes committed and said people who threaten residents’ dwellings will be prosecuted. Police also noted that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court.
Homeowners Should Know How Long Clips Are Stored
After a camera alert or suspected break-in, homeowners should check how long their system keeps recordings and export the relevant clips before they expire. The most useful footage often includes the approach to the home, entry point, driveway, sidewalk, clothing, and direction of travel.
Residents should also preserve app notifications, screenshots, timestamps, and any related vehicle or clothing details for responding officers. If someone is still inside the home or nearby, the safest response is to stay away from the area and call 911.