Candid cameras

By Jade Lawton
CLOSED Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) are back on the agenda for Berwick Village as traders search for ways to deter thugs and vandals.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood this week renewed calls for the cameras and a greater police presence in Berwick in light of new statistics that show the number of assaults in the City of Casey have increased by a third in the past nine years.
“These are appalling statistics. Feeling safe is a basic human right. Residents shouldn’t feel threatened when walking their local streets. They shouldn’t be worrying about being assaulted,” he said.
Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce President Harry Hutchinson said traders were in support of CCTV cameras to stop the ‘senseless vandalism’ that cost local businesses thousands of dollars.
“Friday night seems to be the major night we have problems. So many businesses are getting vandalised near Blackburn Square,” he said.
“About a month ago I had two signs fastened to a wall and they were ripped down. There were three of us that had signs destroyed that night.
“They’ve also been running sharp objects against glass windows – and you have to replace them after that.”
Mr Hutchinson said that some businesses that had small alcoves around their doorway would also have to mop up vomit or urine from their doorway before opening for trading on a Saturday.
Traders pushed for CCTV cameras and a linked ‘panic system’ last year, but found the cost exorbitant.
“To cover both sides of High Street you’d be looking at half a dozen cameras on each side because of lay of the land,” he said.
“But the cost of the cameras is incidental – the expensive part is getting people to monitor it.”
Casey Inspector Andrew Miles said the rise in assaults was a state-wide issue, and the rise in reported assaults in Casey was to be expected given the rapid urban development.
“It should be noted that approximately 50 per cent of reported assaults occur at residential premises, generally by people known to the victim. Casey Police now have a dedicated family violence unit to pro-actively address this issue,” he said.
“We always pay attention to that area (Berwick) with patrols, particularly during periods when there are large numbers. There are a range of solutions we can employ to reduce assaults, and CCTV can be an effective tool.”
Insp Miles said Casey Police would continue with a range of operations aimed at addressing the issue of assaults in public places, particularly around licensed premises.
But Mr Wood, a former Victorian Police officer, suggested other ways of reducing criminal and nuisance behaviour in the village.
“We need youth programs to teach young people respect for others and for themselves,” he said.
“We need to do whatever it takes to allow the law-abiding community to feel in control again.”