It didn't take long for Bossier City police to arrest an armed robbery suspect once they aired the surveillance video on television.  The suspect was nabbed later the same day.

"Visual evidence of a suspect is very valuable," said police spokesman Mark Natale.

Even though security cameras have proven very successful in solving crimes, Natale says many businesses still don't use them.  A risky move considering police are in the middle of what's known as armed robbery season.

Authorities say surveillance video of gunmen wearing masks has proven successful in identifying suspects.

"Just the way somebody conducts themselves, moves and walks can be a tip off as to who that person is," said Natale.

Police say cameras not only help identify suspects, they help solidify a crime even happened.

"Investigators have been told in certain cases that a particular crime happened, but they've gotten video of the alleged incident and it shows it didn't happen," said Natale.

When it comes crimes like armed robberies, Natale says even the smallest bit of information can help crack a case wide open.  Video of the crime is always an added bonus.