City officials in El Cerrito say they want to improve safety along a popular trail.
The city wants to install 10 new security cameras along the Ohlone Greenway, which runs from Berkeley to Richmond.
The Ohlone Greenway is 4.5 miles long. It’s a popular trail for walking, running, and biking.
It’s also used by commuters going to and from work. But the trail has seen some problems over the years include a homicide this past April near Masonic Avenue in Albany.
Now, the El Cerrito wants to give the trail a safety upgrade.
Back in 2009, the city installed nine cameras along the Ohlone Greenway. They say the network has deterred crime and helped with the apprehension of suspects in crimes committed near the Greenway.
But after nearly a decade of operation, the camera’s are showing their age. The plan now is to upgrade the existing cameras and install 10 new cameras between Conlon Avenue and San Pablo Avenue at Cutting Boulevard and at Fairmont Avenue.
The El Cerrito Police Department says they are teaming up with other local law enforcement agencies to expand the network.
Along the Greenway on Thursday, the new cameras were welcome news.
In addition to the cameras, people KRON4 talked with said they would also like to see more police presence along the Greenway.
Police also say the cameras along the Greenway will be compatible with Contra Costa County’s new Freeway Safety Initiative, a network of video cameras being installed along Interstate 80 and Highway 4.
No date has been released for when the new cameras will be up and running.