Cameras put crimp on thieves, dumpers

Video surveillance cameras at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and at the city's recycling center are making things hard on illegal dumpers and would-be thieves.

Both are targets for people who decide to get rid of unwanted trash after hours, and for people who think they can snag a treasure with no one the wiser.

Recently, a Sisters man was cited for second-degree theft after he was caught on camera stealing doors from Habitat's ReStore yard after hours. The Class A misdemeanor carries a potential $6,250 fine.

City Public Works Director Paul Bertagna told The Nugget that recently installed cameras at the recycling center serve several purposes. One is to deter illegal dumping. Another is to provide evidence if someone makes an injury liability claim at the unmanned station.

Thieve also target the facility to steal recyclables.

"We caught somebody stealing recyclables," Bertagna said. "I don't know if there was an arrest or a citation, but officers contacted the individual and there is a case pending."

So, while unsecured yards may seem like an easy target for dumpers or thieves, they are monitored, and perpetrators are being caught - and hit with fines that far outweigh whatever they get out of dumping trash or stealing.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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