Closed circuit television cameras could be popping up on streets around Whittlesea following the adoption of a CCTV policy by the council.
The policy, which was developed in partnership with Victoria Police, guides the introduction of cameras around the municipality.
The council will work with key stakeholders to determine where the cameras will be placed.
It has allocated $50,000 in its 2017-18 budget for cameras and will also apply for state government funding.
The new policy follows on from the adoption of the council’s community safety and crime prevention strategy last year, which aims to reduce negative perceptions of safety and develop initiatives to prevent alcohol and drug-related crime, dangerous driving and crimes against property.
Latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency reveals that Whittlesea’s crime rate rose 11 per cent in the 12 months to March, driven by increases in car thefts, burglaries and assaults.
A 2015 council survey found that 41 per cent of participants rated their perception of safety in public areas at night as “somewhat unsafe” or “very unsafe”.
Mayor Ricky Kirkham said CCTV would play an important role in catching and prosecuting offenders.
“With crime on the rise across Victoria, it is important council invests to make the City of Whittlesea a safer place to live,” he said.
“Our residents want to feel safe in their local community and cameras can be one way to help them feel more secure.
“This CCTV policy is part of our whole of community response to crime and family violence.”
Cr Kirkham said there were steps residents could take to ensure their personal safety, including installing good quality locks on doors and windows, keeping windows and doors locked even when home and removing valuables from plain sight.
