Yahoo article regarding home security measures, and yes surveillance cameras are listed as a measure. While security cameras can’t always prevent crime and are by no means foolproof, they can serve as a useful deterrent in some cases and provide evidence in the event that a crime does occur. Furthermore, security cameras can provide useful information about suspicious activity around your house and neighborhood which can then be provided to local police departments so that they can beef up patrols in your area. Read more on home security measures in the article:
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/protect-home-from-burglars-005405786.html
A comprehensive home security plan that incorporates some or all of these measures in combination will work the best to prevent crime before it happens.