Scotland Neck adds new security camera system, mayor says tech has already helped solve two crimes

The Town of Scotland Neck is taking a new approach to lowering crime after an increase last summer sparked curfews. It has launched its first security camera system.

The system is by the company Verkada and includes 12 security cameras in different locations throughout town. It consists of two cameras in the heavily trafficked area on Main Street.

Mayor Eddie Braxton said the cameras have been in the works for more than a year, shortly after back-to-back shootings raised concern.

“Back in December, we basically shut the town down at night for about a week and a half,” he said.

The town has tried curfews and increasing police patrols to lower the number of violent crimes, but the hope is that these cameras will be its best solution.

“There is no doubt this is going to be a good thing for our community, Braxton said.

The Police Department and select town officials will have 24-hour access to a live feed.

Town Administrator Thomas Everett said it will also allow them to pull up footage days after an event has happened.

“To be able to use the camera system to look back on a criminal act and actually catch them in it. It’s a must these days,” Everett said.

The mayor said the technology has already helped solve two crimes since it launched just days ago.

The hope is that the cameras will become common knowledge and soon deter criminal activity.

The change is welcome for people who live in this community, like Paul McCoy.

“I used to run 6 miles a day in this community for about 40 years. It will make me feel safer,” McCoy said.

While security cameras aren’t new technology, for a small town like this, they can be a game changer for safety.