CCTV to capture crooks on candid camera
Criminals will soon be under the scrutiny of up to a thousand electronic eyes as the NSW Government rolls out high-definition CCTV to help protect local businesses in western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Police Minister David Elliott today announced the first round of successful applicants from the Government’s $5 million CCTV fund.
“Community safety is our top priority and these grants will help keep small businesses and communities safe from crime and anti-social behavior,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“CCTV cameras boost community confidence and send a strong message to would-be criminals that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and punished.”
There are 31 successful applicants in first round, and include a music school in North Parramatta, a kindergarten in Auburn, a café in Cabramatta, a registered charity in Penrith and a health facility in Liverpool.
Mr Speakman said that the fund will provide at least 1000 small businesses and community organisations with support to enhance security.
“CCTV footage can really make or break a case. The more visuals we have, the greater the chance of successful investigations and prosecutions,” Mr Speakman said.
“I encourage eligible businesses to apply as we know increased CCTV can deter anti-social behaviour and will ultimately make our suburbs safer.”
Mr Elliott said the new cameras would be entered into the NSW Police Force CCTV Register, providing another crime-fighting tool to identify and catch criminals.
“CCTV puts the spotlight directly on offenders, to help reduce crimes like malicious damage, break and enter, shoplifting and assault,” Mr Elliott said.
“Stepping up monitoring of small businesses, community organisations and key locations around western and south-western Sydney will be a big help to frontline police.”
The funding provides up to $5,000 towards cameras and installation. It is open to not-for-profit community organisations and small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million.
The program is being rolled out across the Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollondilly local government areas.
Applications under the Community and Small Business CCTV Fund can be submitted via www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au
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