Downtown Surveillance Helps Nab Robbery Suspect
The Downtown Security Network and Downtown Watch are crediting themselves with assisting police in apprehending a robbery suspect Wednesday night.
On January 17, two incidents involving robbery and a weapon occurred downtown and police issued a description of the suspects. The alert was sent to 170 members of the Downtown Security Network asking them to review security tapes in their areas.
Thanks to the hawk-eyed security staff at the Winnipeg Convention Centre, it was revealed that one of the suspects was caught on their surveillance system.
Two Downtown Watch Ambassadors were patrolling the walkway system when they caught sight of the suspect. They followed him, alerting police who were waiting for the suspect when he we went outside.
“This is a textbook example of how the Downtown Security Network works,” said Stefano Grande, executive director of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “We saw several groups working together, collaborating resources and knowledge, and that lead to a safer downtown for everyone. We are extremely proud of our Watch Patrol.”
See Also:
See News? Shoot It & Send It!
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:41 am
Okay.
So is one robbery suspect (or whatever small number they are going to name) worth the privacy issues, expense and infrastructure that the network is going to cost?
In Britain, one crime was solved per one thousand cameras installed. 1 per THOUSAND CAMERAS!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8219022.stm
Why are we doing this? Certainly we could hire more local police presence, which is proven to help, for far less money.
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Hi
This is the 5th person identified by members of the security network in the last 12 months.
The youth that recently “grabbed” CKY employees was also caught by members of the DSN network. His video image was circulated to all the property owners/members in the downtown. The MTS Center security later spotted him and the police we immediately notified for the arrest. The youth had mental health issues.
This initiative is about the downtown community working together by sharing information and resources, and playing a role in reducing crime. And its not just about helping police making arrests.
This initiative is not about adding more cameras, but simply getting everyone to work together, utilizing and coordinating their existing cameras and security staff.
The cost associated with this initiative is primarily our staff time to coordinate, educate and grow the membership base. The cost in setting up the technology and web page was insignificant. – http://dsnwinnipeg.com/default.cfm
The BIZ does agree about the need for more policing. But with a low crime rate in the downtown we were advised that more police patrols are not possible.
But with the arrival of the Police Auxiliary program in a year or two, this will be an effective tool to enhance downtown foot patrols.
Our Watch and Outreach programs are effective tools as well, and our staff are here to help – so call us 958-SAFE (7233) re downtown safety concerns.
Sincerely,
Stefano Grande
Downtown BIZ