Reported crime in the half-mile radius surrounding the intersection of Rundberg Lane and I-35 has fallen 31 percent since the Austin Police Department installed four video surveillance cameras at the troubled intersection.

Between August and December, police recorded 391 instances of crime, down from 567 during the same time period the year prior.

"The video systems are both proactive and reactive," said Michael Schultheis, senior police officer. "We have officers who are familiar with the area go on assignments and look for criminal behavior and activity and direct troops on the ground to effect the arrest."

The drop-off in crime is in line with expectations. Other cities that have instituted surveillance programs reported a decrease in reported crimes by 20 percent to 40 percent.

Police installed the cameras at Rundberg Lane and I-35 on July 21. By Nov. 1, the program was expanded into downtown, which now has 27 cameras in 24 locations.

Schultheis said the department does not have the resources to expand the program right now, but more surveillance locations are likely in the future.