By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Small video cameras will soon be installed in alleys and vacant lots around St. Louis.
City and state officials hope they'll help catch people who illegally dump trash.
Mayor Francis Slay announced the plan this morning. He says stopping illegal dumping can prevent other crimes.
"Those that are engaged in more serious crimes are also involved in some of this other stuff," Slay said. "So if you crack down on the lower-level offenses, it goes a long way in helping you with your overall approach to more serious offenses."
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is installing the cameras. They bought them with a $65,000 federal grant.