DeKalb commissioner wants to add cameras at every gas station in response to gun violence

WSBTV.com News Staff
·1 min read
2

More than one-third of violent crimes in DeKalb County happened at gas stations, and county commissioners and residents are looking for a solution.

DeKalb County commissioners want to add security cameras to every convenience store and gas station in the county. Those cameras would capture people walking in and out of these establishments.

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Channel 2′s Bryan Mims went to about six different gas stations on Monday night, and the store owners who he spoke to are in favor of a law that would require cameras.

Some customers at area gas stations said gas stations with a lot of cameras make them feel safer.

“It makes me feel safe. It makes my family feel safe,” Kevin McAfee said.

“I look around, every day, I come to the gas pump. I ask people, don’t walk up on me,” John Victrum said.

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DeKalb County commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson proposed a law that would make video surveillance mandatory 24/7. In the proposal, the store owner would have to post at least one camera at each gas pump.

The city of Atlanta is also considering adding cameras at convenience stores and gas stations.

Atlanta City Council member Antonio Lewis told Channel 2 that the cameras would be connected to the police department, allowing officers to respond to crimes quicker.

“What’s the point of having this good technology using all this funding on this technology if people aren’t willing to participate in it,” Lewis said.

City leaders say they are working with APD to see if it can cover the cost of integrating cameras with area gas stations and convenience stores.

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