WGAL Channel 8 in Pennsylvania reported that, recently, after a string of local Amish businesses had been burglarized, one business owner took matters into his own hands.

The businessman in Nickel Mines, between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, placed a rudimentary surveillance system – an infrared hunting camera used by hunters to watch game trails in the woods – in his store concealed amongst a pair of gloves. Sure enough, a burglar broke into his shop and was photographed whilst ransacking the shop for whatever valuable items could be taken.

The action of this businessman is a departure from Amish religious traditions that prohibit use of most technological devices, and also prohibit the taking of one’s photo. However, these businessmen feel that the prohibitions on photography only apply to themselves (Amish people) being photographed.

This move by one businessman has inspired other local Amish businessmen to likewise install surveillance in their places of work, to help police thwart criminals.