Thinking about illegally dumping in Lorain County? Beware of video eyes watching

ELYRIA, Ohio - The Lorain County Sheriff's Department is getting tough on illegal dumping with the creation of an Environmental Crimes Unit, and the with the use of high resolution cameras posted at dumping hot spots.

The relatively new unit includes sheriff's deputies William Curtis and James Jackson, a team that's been responsible for dozens of arrests over the past two years.

The Environmental Crimes Unit was made possible through funding from the Lorain County Solid Waste District, which also paid for the purchase of several high tech surveillance cameras.

Two of the cameras were purchased from Q-Star Technology, based out of Torrance, California.

"Once we charge the camera, it's recharged by a solar cell on top," said Deputy Jackson. "There is a 10 megapixel camera inside, and it's motion activated. It's also infrared, so it can see at night."

The cameras have allowed deputies to make numerous arrests and have been effective as an illegal dumping deterrent, because they can dispatch a recorded audio warning message to potential offenders.

"The camera can record the suspects committing the crime, their vehicle and we can also get the license number," said Deputy Curtis.

The Lorain County Sheriff's Department reports illegal dumping has hurt the quality of neighborhoods and has cost tax payers plenty. Lorain County spends $50,000 just for the disposal of illegally dumped tires every year.

The camera's have also been critical in obtaining convictions in court.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," said Deputy Curtis. "When you put somebody's picture up there committing a crime, with their vehicle, it's pretty hard to defend against that."

Illegal dumping is a felony and can carry jail time along with a $25,000 fine.

Still, the Deputies made it clear the public is their greatest asset, and they're counting on residents to report illegal dumping by contacting the Environmental Crimes Unit at 440-329-3743, or by reporting it through the unit's website.

NewsChannel5 also invites residents to report illegal dumping, and report vacant/condemned homes through its NewsChannel5 Building Better Neighborhoods initiative.

Residents are encouraged to send in pictures and information on dumping or distressed properties to our Troubleshooter Facebook or Twitter accounts @joeonyourside. Report a home using your smartphone and our free NewsChannel5 app.

If you're dealing with a vacant home in your neighborhood, use the Cleveland Housing Court Vacant Home Toolkit to guide you through the process of moving a vacant home to progress step by step.

NewsChannel5 will bring you a series of reports and updates on the progress made through the Building Better Neighborhoods initiative throughout 2012.