SWISSVALE, Pa.,None — Regent Square and Swissvale officials are talking about putting cameras up in the community after several armed robberies in the past month.
At least two people have been arrested in a recent crime spree in both areas.
During one robbery, a man was pistol-whipped during an attempted robbery on LaClair Street, police said. Nearby, on Forbes Avenue, two robbers targeted a pet store.
Convenience store manager Tariq Raees said he hopes cameras would stop criminals in their tracks.
"If they know there are cameras out there, that might stop them to do any crime," said Raees.
Using $35,000 in grant money, Swissvale borough bought 10 cameras that will soon be installed in the business district. Two are slated for Regent Square.
"I think for this area, it's definitely needed," said Melissa Carroll, who works nearby.
Swissvale's mayor said the cameras would go where they're needed the most.
Steve Derer, who works nearby, said he's not worried about an invasion of privacy but doubts the cameras will help police.
"I don't think they're going to come running if (I'm) being robbed," said Derer. "(They'll) probably find out who did it. Don't make you safer."
Swissvale police are meeting with District Attorney Steven Zappala on Friday regarding other ways to keep the community safe.
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