"The camera is designed to function as a deterrent to people who may engage in vandalism, break and enter, or other illegal activity," said Coun. Ed Mead, chair of the city's crime prevention portfolio.
Once activated the camera uses a strong flash to take a photo of the area and emits a recorded message advising the person their photo has been taken and to leave the area immediately.
Mead says if a crime is committed, the high quality digital photographs taken by the camera can be used to identify and prosecute suspects.
According to Jason Tremblay of Q-Star Technology, the camera has been in service in the United States for eight years. He told city council that in virtually all cases, property and other crimes have been eliminated where the cameras have been located.
Mayor Scott Nelson says Williams Lake is the first community outside of the Lower Mainland to try using this type of camera system.
Mead said the camera will be used on a trial basis for three or four weeks to see if it makes a difference in some of the hot crime areas of the city.
Business Improvement Area president Diane Therrien, has two words for the new surveillance system.
"Love it," she said.
Therrien asked whether the city would maintain the camera systems if a couple of businesses got together and decided to purchase one of the $6,000 units.
Brian Carruthers, general manager of community services, said the city is considering a number of options. One of these options is for the city to purchase the cameras and rent them out to various businesses.
Therrien said she'd rather have cameras than rollers covering her windows.
"In the summer I get a lot of business from tourists window shopping."
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