New city cams catch people illegally dumping bunk beds, sofas, inflatable pool

Kitchen cabinets, sofas and an inflatable pool are some of the items Winnipeggers were recorded illegally dumping by the city's new surveillance cameras.

Six closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) were brought in by the city in May as part of two-year pilot to catch offenders in the act.

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Winston Yee, a bylaw enforcement manager with the city, said the cameras have recorded 15 incidents of people illegally trashing their stuff.

"What we've found so far are bunk bed frames, TV entertainment cabinets, sofas ... We've had an incidence where we've seen a truck load of tree trimmings, kitchen cabinets, a rain barrel [and an] inflatable pool." Yee said. "Lots of things are related to, I think, home cleaning or home renovations."

Yee said illegal dumping is happening at multiple locations and the secret cameras are set up and moved to various "hot spots" that are reported.

The motion-activated camera records the offender and their vehicle's licence plate.

Of the 15 cases under investigation, one person has been charged and fined, Yee said.

"The individual plead guilty and the courts issued a fine. I believe the fine was between $450 or $500 with the total cost in," Yee said.

Individual fines typically range from $600 to $2,000. Corporations are subject to illegal dumping fines of up to $4,000, Yee said. 

He said it's too early to comment on the success of the pilot but he believes it has led to an increased awareness around the issue and the potential consequences of illegal dumping.