TVfocus on crime

By Paul Pickering
BELGRAVE traders are basking in a newfound sense of security this week with the announcement that their long-coveted closed circuit television (CCTV) camera network is finally operational.
After receiving $42,000 from the Federal Government’s National Community Crime Prevention Programme in August last year, the Belgrave Traders Association (BTA) is now relieved to have the 24-hour cameras monitoring crime hotspots throughout the township.
BTA president Donna Burgess said she hoped that the presence of the cameras would act as a crime prevention tool to allay the fears of both traders and shoppers.
“There has been some concerns about the safety of the area, particularly about car parking at night,” she said.
While Belgrave Police have consulted with the traders throughout the process, Senior Sergeant Doug Berglund was keen to note that the cameras would not be subject to police surveillance.
“It’s purely a community initiative, community-owned, community-run and for the community,” he said.
While the BTA had initially called for the cameras to be monitored by Belgrave Police, Sen Sgt Berglund said that proposal was not viable due to the strain on police resources and the technological difficulty of wiring the entire network back to the station.
Both Sen Sgt Berglund and Ms Burgess were at pains to point out that the footage would only be viewed by police in response to a specific report.
“We’re not a Big Brother society, even though some people think we are,” he said.
“This is just a silent witness that can be used to assist us.”
Knox crime prevention officer Linda Hancock said that while she commended the BTA for the successful application, she was concerned that it placed a lot of responsibility on the trader community.
“Ideally, CCTV should be monitored by a dedicated group or organisation, such as a private security company,” Sen Con Hancock said.
The BTA is currently seeking further funding to assist with surveillance.
Areas targeted by the cameras will include licensed premises and car parking areas throughout the Burwood Highway shopping precinct and Bayview Road.