Alderman hopes extra set of "eyes" on alleys will help to deter crime

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Fighting crime with the help of technology! A new program is being introduced in neighborhoods on Milwaukee's near south side. The program's goal is to stop those who commit crimes in dark places -- like alleys, considered out-of-the-way areas that aren't always closely watched.

It's called "Operation Alley Cat" -- and a Milwaukee alderman is hopeful it will help to curb crime.

Alderman Bob Donovan says he's well aware of the problems that can arise in the alleys around the city of Milwaukee.

"Drug dealing, garage break-ins, car thefts, car vandalism, graffiti," Alderman Donovan said.

He is hoping technology can help to put a stop to it.

"By installing cameras on these garages, we believe that will help deter that kind of negative activity," Alderman Donovan said.

"Operation Alley Cat" is a program that will install video cameras on garages near alleys throughout the "Silver City" neighborhood.

"They are basically two cameras on a garage in both directions," Alderman Donovan said.

Donovan says this is a pilot program for the area, and hopes it will grow.

"We want to assess how successful it is. Does it help in curtailing the activity?" Alderman Donovan said.

Betty Grinker already has cameras installed on her garage in the alley behind her home.

"I want to make sure the neighborhood, the neighbors are all safe," Grinker said.

For about 40 years, she has lived in the Silver City neighborhood, and she says she's seen her share of crime.

"Operation Alley Cat" is part of another program in the area, known as "Operation Impact."

"'Operation Impact' has over the years, raised funds to install surveillance cameras on private businesses, has installed alley lighting in this alley and dozens and dozens and dozens of alleys in the surrounding area," Alderman Donovan said.

Donovan believes adding alley cameras will be helpful for Milwaukee police at District 2, who can monitor them.

"They can tune in at any time and see what`s going on in this alley. I think it`s a huge plus," Alderman Donovan said.

"I just want everyone to be safe," Grinker said.

Donovan says the cost of the cameras is about $600 for the pair. Private funding is paying for the cameras and the installation, so it's not being paid for using taxpayer money.