Residents and businesses are being asked for their feedback about Sunbury’s closed circuit television system as Hume council seeks to evaluate how cameras help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
A short survey sent to participants of previous consultation sessions asks how safe people consider the town centre and whether cameras make a difference.
Last month, Star Weekly reported that police and businesses believe the cameras help pinpoint offences and boost perceptions of safety.
Cameras are located at the Brook and Evans streets intersection, Brook Street newsagency, Evans Arcade, O’Shannassy Street and at the corner of Evans Street and Gap Road. Footage is monitored from Sunbury police station.
The system was installed following a state government grant and 20 cameras were switched on in April last year in a bid to deter would-be offenders and help solve crimes.
Council city communities director Margarita Caddick said there has already been a significant response to the survey.
‘‘Council is very keen to determine the degree to which the CCTV cameras have helped reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in Sunbury,’’ Ms Caddick said.
‘‘We’ll use the survey findings to help us produce an evaluation report about the cameras, which will provide feedback to the Victorian government, as well as inform the development of council’s CCTV policy.’’
Police have said the 24-hour cameras are an important tool that has aided many investigations. Footage has led to arrests in a range of cases, including assault and hooning offences.
Sunbury Business Association has also declared the project a great success.
