Surveillance cams coming to Waterbury streets

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- The Brass City is looking to keep a watchful eye downtown. Waterbury city leaders have approved a plan to buy and install surveillance cameras to look over city streets.

Strolling along or sneaking away from a crime? If you're downtown, Waterbury police will be watching.

"It kind of smells of 1984, it's Orwellian, don't like it at all, but I can see where it may be necessary," said Dennis Jackson.

"I think it's a good idea because nobody will break into your car and stuff like that," said Lorena Cobas.

"The safer downtown Waterbury is, the more people will come and visit us," said Mayor Neil O'Leary.

Mayor O'Leary says surveillance street cameras will serve as a crime deterrent and as a tool to catch culprits in the act.

"We're always working on economic development initiatives and, you know, the safety of any downtown area is important to anyone moving into the downtown area," said Mayor O'Leary.

He says police will be behind 11 cameras on heavy traffic areas like Grand, Bank, and Leavenworth streets.

Places he says get panhandlers and car break-ins.

The oven was busy popping out hot lunches at Louie's Pizza on East Main Street Tuesday. The owner says they never get anyone stealing slices.

"No, pizza robberies, pizza lovers," said owner Nicos Michael laughing.

However, he thinks the safer his pie fans feel, the better for business.

"I feel safe. I haven't had an incident for 25 years and that's the truth," Michael said, "but if somebody outside Waterbury feels like there's cameras, they should be coming everyday."