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Spy Cam Push for Palmer By Vikki Campion 11/1/05 |
This article highlights the benefits of using
surveillance cameras to monitor unruly crowds and prevent crime and violence.
Surveillance cameras will be set up to film rowdy patrons on Palmer St if a Townsville City Council plan comes to play.
Council officers told a Community Safety Committee meeting the State Government had opened funding rounds for
surveillance cameras and Palmer St was a priority.
"We are looking at installing
surveillance cameras in Palmer St," officers said.
"It is one of our priority areas but there are a number of priority areas across the city."
Palmer St operator Jon van Grinsven said it was a good move by the council.
"Any of these moves are good and we support them," he said.
"One ounce of prevention is better then a pound of cure."
Mr. van Grinsven said there had been recent incidents of patrons running amok.
"We have had one isolated incident but the last few months have been remarkably better than they were a period before," he said.
"We have not had any major incidents for a while.
"The closing of St Vinnies was a catalyst in helping Palmer St."
He said the council's efforts were welcome.
Townsville Police's Senior Sergeant Dale Last also welcomed the moves.
"There is a Police Beat in South Townsville on Archer St nearby," he said.
"It has been there for quite a few years but we have increased staffing levels recently.
"Surveillance cameras can only benefit and assist us in doing our job."
Sen-Sgt Last said
security cameras were only as good as the resources to monitor them.
"People should not become complacent in their safety for thinking there are
security cameras watching," he said.
Sen-Sgt Last said surveillance often helped in catching offenders and providing evidence.
"If someone calls in at Flinders Mall after a bag snatch we can get on the records straight away and track them through the mall," he said.
Source: townsvillebulletin.news.com.au
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