POLICE are bidding for a CCTV camera to be installed in Werribee’s CBD following an announcement of $3 million in state funding to boost public surveillance networks.
Wyndham Council is also weighing up whether it will vie for a share of the funding pool.
Wyndham’s Acting Inspector Damien Christensen put in an application to the Justice Department seeking funding for a CCTV camera at the corner of Watton Street and Station Place. It is among several applications from other municipalities which will be reviewed based on local crime statistics.
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Police currently rely on footage from entertainment venues that are required to install CCTV under their liquor licences. Council does not operate open-space surveillance cameras in activity centres like the CBD. But chief executive Kerry Thompson said an investigation into the need for surveillance cameras was under way. “Wyndham City is currently investigating the need for CCTV in the municipality, including the possibility of funding applications.”
The government has pledged up to $3 million for local councils to install new cameras following the death of Jill Meagher in Brunswick last month. Ms Meagher’s last-known movements were captured on a Sydney Road shop’s security camera. The vision played a crucial role in the police investigation.
Colin Leake, manager of Watton Street’s Mynt Lounge, said the venue operated 13 cameras inside, three outside and an ID scanning machine so police could readily match up the footage. He said Mynt was supportive of the police push for public CCTV.
“It’s pretty vital now when you’re mixing youth with alcohol and late nights, so we’ll absolutely get behind it.”
