Eye spy graffiti

POLICE say new high-tech security cameras in Upwey will help the town tackle graffiti and vandalism.
Upwey Township Group will in coming weeks install long-range, covert cameras throughout the village’s problem areas in a zero tolerance approach to graffiti.
Upwey Township Group secretary Andrew Fullager said group members currently spent hours removing and painting over tags in the town.
Belgrave Senior Sergeant Doug Berglund said the cameras were a piece of the jigsaw to combat the crime, which fluctuated in severity and frequency.
“They’ll help Upwey,” he said.
Sen Sgt Berglund said the cameras would help police identify witnesses as well as perpetrators.
“They’re a silent witness,” he said.
“They make no value judgement. They just show what they see.”
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff matched Upwey Township Group’s contribution to the project dollar for dollar.
“These cameras will work,” he said.
“We’ve got to catch them and get them into court.”
Cr Cliff said cameras were the best way to combat graffiti and vandalism.
“Well, we’ve tried everything else,” he said.