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Const. Gerard Allard, community police officer for Division 13 in north Winnipeg, said police hope to compile a complete list of both private and public security cameras in north Winnipeg. (PHOTO BY ROB BROWN)

The Winnipeg Police Service is seeking the community’s help in identifying the locations of all security cameras in north Winnipeg.

Const. Gerard Allard, community police officer for Division 13 in north Winnipeg, said police hope to compile a complete list of both private and public security cameras in the region.

Allard said it is part of an effort to address safety concerns in the area.

"We feel that this information will enhance and quicken our abilities to solve problems," he said.

North End resident Brent Santos said he likes the idea of promoting the locations of the cameras.

"If people know they’ll be caught on camera, they won’t commit a crime on it," he said.

Allard said police are asking all businesses, professional offices, non-government and government organizations as well as private residents to comply with the request.

"Especially if there is a security camera and/or digital storage capabilities located on your property pointing to exterior area or inside a structure that is pointing towards a private/public location," he said.

North End blogger Rae Butcher isn’t sure it will address problems such as illegal garbage dumping.

Butcher noted her husband recently confronted an individual who was illegally dumping waste in some North End trash bins. The individual continued to dump materials in the bins even after her husband spoke to him, she said.

"As he was approaching the dumpster, there was a guy in a half-ton dumping wood in our dumpster," Butcher said.

"Then he went to the next dumpster, and the next. My husband was good enough to let the fellow know it was illegal. The guy didn’t care. He did say ‘At least I’m spreading it out,’ as he filled several dumpsters with wood."

Butcher said her husband became even more frustrated when he approached the vehicle to get a license plate number and noticed that it was covered with a piece of cardboard.

To report a security camera to Winnipeg Police’s list, call 470-7938 or email Allard at gallard@winnipeg.ca

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