Lavonia To Install Surveillance Cameras at Local Hotels

Lt. Mitchum used this photo to show the difference in quality between a regular security camera and one that could read tag numbers

The City of Lavonia will be installing special surveillance cameras that can read car tags at locations on Owens Drive – that after a presentation Tuesday night by Lavonia Police Lt. Wayne Mitchum on the need for the cameras in certain city locations.

Mitchum told the Mayor and City Council police are routinely called to two hotels, the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express regarding thefts from vehicles.

Lt. Mitchum pointed out that 5-7 break-ins a year have happened at both hotels since 2017, but this year there have already been five.

Mitchum said that most of the thefts that occur at those two hotels are done by criminals traveling up and down the Interstate who get off at an exit where there are high-end hotels, commit the crime, and get back on the Interstate.

That, he said, means those suspects are difficult to catch because they are not local.

That’s why he said having surveillance cameras that are strong enough to pick up a car tag number would help in bringing them to justice.

Mitchum received two bids from security companies and noted both companies had merit.

Mayor Courtney Umbehant suggested having the two companies come to the October meeting and give presentations but City Manager Charles Cawthon encouraged the Council to make a decision.

Cawthon said the risk of continued auto break-ins could give the City a bad name.

Cawthon recommended letting the Police Department decide which company to choose and try it out for a year before committing the City to a long-term contract.

After more discussion, Councilman David Howell motioned to amend the budget to provide funds to pay for a one-year contract for tag reader surveillance cameras.

That was seconded by Councilman Michael Shulman and passed unanimously.

Councilman and the mayor agreed that the City could consider putting those cameras in other parts of the city in the future.