The new security cameras are up at the municipal center. North Augusta will soon have a new tool in its fight on crime. The City has already installed a number of high-tech surveillance cameras at the municipal center.

Following the numerous break-ins that occurred throughout the summer, action was taken to put in place some preventive measures. Even John Thomas, the chief at North Augusta Public Safety, had his unmarked Tahoe broken into.

“What really spurred the decision was the number of break-ins we experienced in the Greeneway parking lots, where folks would park out in the remote areas and go walk,” Rick Meyer, director of North Augusta Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, said.

“Also in front of the activity center and Riverview Park. It comes in cycles – we’ll go six months and not have any; then we’ll have a rash of them. These folks are pretty good; they can break into your car, we’ve timed it on video, in 10 seconds or less.”

Meyer noted that although there are some existing cameras in place, they do not have the coverage and capability of the new ones. He also said there are currently zero on the Greeneway, so this will be brand-new along that area.

“We have a few when you walk in the door here, but they?re ancient and need to be replaced,? he said. ?All of the locations themselves ? and this also includes the soon-to-be-built Park and Ride out on Exit 5 off I-20, altogether, are going to come to a total of $180,000.“ […]

Source www.aikenstandard.com