MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A historical Memphis neighborhood is so fed up with crime, it’s taking measures into its own hands.
Victorian Village, in between downtown and the medical district, is filled with beautiful homes from the era, but businesses and people who live there are now paying for their own SkyCop cameras.
The cameras are always rolling, so police can tap into an area at any time, and also replay footage to help solve crimes.
The plan is to install four cameras throughout the area: Poplar and Manassas, Washington and Orleans, Orleans and Adams, and on Jefferson.
In all, the cameras will cost around $32,000.
Police claim the cameras work well and would like to see more of them, but sadly, don’t have the money.
That’s why they’re encouraging neighborhoods and businesses to pitch in.
“They said were ready to work on it with you guys. They said they’re definitely a crime deterrent, and encourage what we’re doing for the neighborhood,” said Jerred Price, the neighborhood’s Board of Director Chairman.
Price was out-of-town but told us on the phone many people have donated to make this happen. The most recent was LeBonheur Children’s Hospital since it backs up to the area.
The neighborhood is now just $5,000 away from meeting their goal.
According to MPD’s Cyberwatch, around 60 crimes have happened in the past three months. Most are car break-ins, thefts, and stolen property.
Police believe those crimes will drop dramatically with an eye in the sky.
MPD says other neighbors have recently raised money for SkyCop cameras. They cost $6,000 to $8,000 a piece.
If your community would like to raise money, MPD said it will put you through the appropriate channels.
MPD will monitor the cameras too.
If you want to help Victorian Village’s efforts, click here.
