Cameras record illegal dumping, theft

YOUNGSTOWN — Nine cameras installed throughout the city to catch those improperly dumping garbage and debris on vacant land have also found other illegal activities.

One camera on the city’s South Side took pictures of a man stealing a city manhole cover, something that Thomas Mirante, superintendent of the city’s wastewater department, said has become a major problem in the past few months.

The cameras have taken pictures of dozens of illegal dumpings all over the city, said Jennifer Jones, program coordinator for the city’s litter control and recycling division. The division is overseeing the illegal dumping camera program.

Three people have received citations for illegal dumping with several others about to be charged, she said.

The city installed the cameras last month as a way to help curb illegal dumping and prosecute those who do it, she said.

The city paid $55,000 for the cameras.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com