More CCTV cameras installed in Cambridge, North Dumfries

A total of 10 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are now installed in Waterloo Region.

The latest cameras, now on and operational, are in Cambridge and North Dumfries.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) posted on its website that the Cambridge cameras are now up at Hespeler Road and Bishop Street North, Franklin Boulevard and Avenue Road, Ainslie Street North at Simcoe Street and Christopher Drive at Champlain Boulevard.

In North Dumfries Township, two cameras have been installed on Cedar Creek Road at Northumberland Street and Dumfries Road near Highway. 401.

The six new cameras are on top of the four already installed in Waterloo at King Street North at Conestogo Road, University Ave West at King Street North, Bridgeport Road East and Regina Street North, and Erb Street East and Peppler Street.

The first two cameras to go live were in the heart of the university district and at the north entrance to Conestoga Mall.

The cameras are also equipped with automated licence plate recognition (ALPR) technology. More cameras are expected to be installed in Kitchener in the coming months, though exact dates have not been provided.

Wilmot Township council last year decided not to move forward with the CCTV cameras on township property.

In total, 52 cameras will eventually be up and running at 10 locations.

The technology is described by police as “an additional tool to support investigations and improve response to incidents.”

In June, Police Chief Mark Crowell told CityNews, “Our goal is to enhance community safety while respecting the rights and freedoms of the community we serve.”

He added that the closed-circuit television systems with the automated licence plate recognition technology will be used “responsibly and transparently.”

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