Cops are called to The Venue night club; that's been a familiar story in recent months.

"There are numerous types of complaints there," Lt. Mike Yankowski said, "anywhere from shootings to assaults to malicious disruption of property, to larcenies."

Yankowski said the Lansing Police Department has gotten more than 46 calls for service from the area and taken 23 criminal complaints -- and that's just since March.

"When we start mapping out our hot spots in the area, that area jumps out at us," he said.

So picture this -- police installed a new surveillance camera there last Friday-- hoping to curb the crime.

"We'll use it for criminal prosecution, and as a deterrent in that area," Yankowski said.

The difference between this new camera and the 11 other cameras the city has installed, is the footage will not be viewed live. Police said they'll go back to it after the fact if need be.

"It can't be viewed from patrol cars like the current system," Yankowski said. "If a crime is committed, we can access the video and use it as evidence."

Business owners in the area said they applauded the addition to their parking lot, considering some said they've lost business since the night club opened.

Residents nearby said they aren't sure it will work, but they're crossing their fingers.

"I'm happy that the camera went in, that the police department was smart enough to say we have an issue," Alexis Mueller said. "It's disheartening to come home and pass four cop cars in a one block radius."

Police report no problems since the camera went in.

Lt. Yankowski said most of the crimes in that area happen between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The owner of The Venue declined to comment Tuesday.