Thunder Bay waterfront BIA welcomes security camera registration
New program unveiled yesterday to get residents, business owners to help with investigations
The head of Thunder Bay's Waterfront District Business Improvement Association is welcoming a request from police for people to register their security cameras online.
The new police program was unveiled Tuesday as a way for homeowners and businesses to help officers investigate crimes.
Jim Comuzzi, chair of the BIA, said the association was prompted to approach the police last fall — after some trees were vandalized — to ask how businesses could help.
"Trees on the east side of St. Paul Street were all taken down, either run over by cars or forced over by some kids, and was something that really precipitated us trying to take more action," he said.
He said the association had formulated an idea that business owners with video cameras along certain roads could make them available for police to look at.
"Subsequent to that meeting, they've formulated this plan, and I think it's fantastic," he said.
"We should all be responsible for trying to maintain the security of our streets and our property," said Comuzzi, who owns Rooster's Bistro in the north core. He said he plans to register his restaurant's cameras with the city.
"I know personally in our business we have lights on and we have indoor security cameras right now, but I'm equipped for more and I will definitely be part of this group that volunteers," he said.
Security camera owners who want to take part can sign up with CrimeReports, an online crime mapping tool.