Cameras help cops fight crime

Having an extra set of eyes on Thunder Bay’s  streets is proving to be a good thing, according to city police.

Cameras installed at various locations — and monitored by police — are catching more suspicious activity. The city's downtown cameras recorded nine per cent more incidents in 2011 than the previous year, police report. The cameras, which were installed in 2009, have resulted in fewer police requests to attend complaints relating to thefts, assaults and property damages.

In Thunder Bay's downtown areas, 13 cameras are on keeping a watch on citizens.

Caterer Derek Magnuson said knowing the "Eye on the Street" program exists gives him peace of mind.

"You go to run in with goods and sandwiches and stuff and sometimes you have to leave the car running ... you worry," he said.  "But [with the cameras] you have an extra set of eyes. I think that's a good idea."

The camera at Brodie Street and Victoria Avenue recorded 99 suspicious incidents last years — that’s up 17 from 2010. Police report that location records the most suspicious incidents in the city.

'Valuable tool'

Area resident Mike Savard said he thinks the camera is necessary.

"[We] can't have a cop standing here 24/7," he said. "It's not a daycare centre."

Thunder Bay Police spokesperson Chris Adams said the surveillance program is doing its job, and noted the cameras can act as a crime-deterrent, as well as help officers with investigations.

Though the total number of incidents have increased, the number of times police were requested dipped slightly.

"They're still seen as a valuable tool," Adams said. "Certainly a picture is worth a thousand words. It's not a question of big brother; it's a question of making our streets safer."

Video from the Eye on the Street was used to get 15 court convictions last year.

 In 2010, three cameras were removed with the closure of the old Brodie Street bus terminal, and now the city now plans to redistribute those cameras to new locations. The city has been consulting with the three Business Improvement Associations to determine where the new cameras should go.

Camera maintenance costs in 2011 totalled slightly more than $13,500 and were serviced or repaired seven times since they were first introduced three years ago.

A full report on the program is expected to be presented at city council Monday night.