A cat is going to go on the counters whether you allow it or not. They have a whole alternate life during the night. Your cat/s are definitely on the counters lol
I have cameras. I had one cat that would get up on the kitchen table when he thought he could get away with it (i miss that asshole), but three others I've had, including right now never get up there.
Hahah our butter dish is left on the counter, but it does have a lid. Not a heavy one, so cat has learned to nudge it and it will fall off. Have to keep it in the corner, but if we forget, the butter monster is in full force during the night.
Anecdotal, but my cat never jumped up on any counters or tables. She only stuck to the floor and any chairs we let her get on. Even at night as there way plenty of way to tell if she had been up there.
Had a cat who jumped on the counters all the time when we first got her. Decided to cover the counters with tin foil. Scared her quite badly. Needless to say she has not to our knowledge jumped up again.
She's not allowed on the kitchen counters, but I haven't leaned the cat language well enough to giver a stern warning she can understand. And who can say no to such a cute girl sleeping there. I always just gently taker her down but every day she tries her luck once again.