Putting closed-circuit surveillance cameras along Main Street would help reduce crime, say police and a local councilllor.
Ward 7 Councillor John Nowak is proposing to put cameras along Main Street and areas where crimes tend to happen as way to help reduce the incidents — both by deterring people and aiding RCMP in their investigations.
Nowak says he’s been pitching this idea to council since last year, and brought it up again at a recent meeting after seeing a string of break-and-enters at the end of the summer. He says having more cameras would also help prevent vandalism and harassment.
“Having cameras tends to deter crime from happening,” Nowak said, comparing it to having police in uniforms patrolling the streets.
Adding more surveillance is something RCMP would also consider a good idea, said Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Chris Clark.
“It has the potential to reduce the amount of break and enters we have,” Clark said. “It would deter people and be a good investigative tool.”
There are currently only two businesses on Main Street that have surveillance cameras pointing to the street. RCMP have asked them for their footage before, such as when a liquor store was robbed, Clark said, adding that the footage helped them identify the people involved and their car, eventually leading to arrests.
Administration is currently reviewing the proposal and preparing a report on how much it would cost, Nowak said, adding that they county may partner with businesses to help foot the bill for the cameras.
