Camden Goes High-Tech to Combat Illegal Dumping

Camden is going high-tech to fight a big problem in the blighted city, illegal dumping.

Mayor Dana Redd announced Monday that the city is using surveillance cameras to look for people leaving trash where they shouldn't.

Redd says she hopes that knowing the cameras are there will deter others who are thinking of leaving trash in the city.

Twenty people have been charged so far. Half have been from other towns.

Police are asking the public to help identify the people involved in five other incidents -- including three in which animals were illegally abandoned in the city.

Surveillance cameras have become more important as the city has endured deep layoffs in the police department. Cameras have been used to help identify people involved in drug deals.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)