People who try to get away with illegally dumping trash in Winnipeg could find themselves being watched, even during the darkest hours of the night.

The City of Winnipeg has committed $55,000 to a two-year pilot project that will see six closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras set up to catch offenders.

The cameras, which are solar powered and can clearly read license plate numbers in the dark from as far away as 76 metres, will be erected this spring and summer.

The city won't reveal where the cameras will be installed, in order to keep the locations secret. Couns. Ross Eadie said they will be moved around to various locations during the two years.

The idea was pitched last summer by Eadie and Coun. Devi Sharma, who said illegal dumping is on the rise and charges against those who do it are extremely difficult to lay without visual evidence.