By Paul Dunlop
BIG Brother could be enlisted to keep an eye on Pakenham’s Main Street as part of efforts to stamp out problems of graffiti and vandalism in the shopping centre.
Responding to calls for action by frustrated traders, Cardinia Shire Council has applied for Federal Government funding to set up closed circuit cameras in the central business district.
The cameras would be used to monitor hotspots in the shopping precinct to discourage troublemakers from hanging around and creating problems after dark.
Vandalism and graffiti have become a growing problem around the town and authorities are keen to send a message that such antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
Cardinia Shire Council, the Pakenham Business Group and Pakenham Police have joined forces to combat the problems, described by councillors as a blight on the community.
Central Ward councillor Brett Owen hoped the request for funds to install the cameras would be a success.
“They would be extremely useful in the business centre,” Cr Owen said.
The possibility of video surveillance in the Main Street was first raised by the Gazette in July after a several windows were smashed and other property damaged.
Pakenham Police Sergeant Chris Marlow said then that properly installed cameras would be a great help in catching vandals and making sure they are brought to justice.
“We would back any movement from traders who want security cameras installed in Main Street,” Sgt Marlow said.
Cr Owen said funding had also been sought from the State Government to help it battle graffiti.
Cr Owen, a policeman, has advocated a tougher stance on graffiti since he was elected last year.
He is helping to lead efforts to rub out graffiti, which has become a muchdiscussed eyesore around town.
“Council is dealing with graffiti and vandalism, we are working with police and local traders to address these issues.”
Cr Owen said council’s graffiti policy needed to be revisited to increase the focus on enforcement and education.
Cardinia may take a lead from neighbouring City of Casey, which has introduced a zero tolerance approach to graffiti. Then mayor Kevin Bradford told an October graffiti forum, also attended by then Cardinia mayor Bill Ronald, that Casey’s eradication, education and enforcement principles had achieved significant success.
