Cedarburg is considering installing surveillance cameras in its downtown area.
Pat Niles, owner of Downtown Dough on Washington Avenue, said his business was one of four hit during a string of break-ins in February.
"They smashed all our security cameras," Niles said. "We think they used a bat or something."
He said the total damage - stolen merchandise plus the cost of repairs - was about $2,000.
Now, Niles is part of a group of business owners pushing the city to install surveillance cameras at four intersections along Washington Avenue.
Niles believes the cameras would help police investigate any future break-ins, as well as any crimes that occur on public sidewalks or streets.
"It would also help tremendously with festivals, with the huge crowds we get," Niles said.
He's convinced the cameras might have helped solve the mystery of the February break-ins.
"In the case of the break-in we had in February, (the suspects) did go to a merchant across the street," Niles said. "So they did cross the street and the police chief feels these cameras would've caught that activity."
The cost of the cameras is estimated at $80,000 to $90,000.
Cedarburg Mayor Kip Kinzel said he expects the common council to consider the purchase and installation of the cameras during the city's budget process next month.
The Mayor added he hopes the business community and taxpayers would split the cost of the cameras if the proposal is approved.
Haley Hill, who's lived in Cedarburg for 17 years, said she's OK with tax dollars paying for the increased security measures.
"I would prefer to be safe than sorry," Hill said.
"As long as we maintain a safe community, we'll continue to get more tourists here, which will benefit the businesses that are here," Hill said.
