A new era in public safety for Albury has begun, with a network of CCTV cameras launched across the city.
A total of 52 cameras will monitor the length of Dean Street, Volt Lane car park and QEII Square.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government and AlburyCity, the cameras will provide live footage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to monitors at the Albury police station.
AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said the cameras would improve safety for the community by deterring and detecting crime.
“We know that people love to enjoy themselves in Albury’s CBD. It’s a popular destination for residents and visitors to experience great shopping and a vibrant nightlife, so this system will provide a new layer of protection by not only alerting troublemakers to the fact that they’re being monitored, but will also give police a valuable new tool to catch criminals after any offences have been committed,” he said.
“It’s a big step forward for community safety and it could not have happened without the support of the Australian Government’s Safer Streets Program and we’re very grateful for their assistance.”
The Federal Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, has welcomed the initiative.
“Our Safer Streets program is about helping communities deliver local solutions on potential crime or anti-social hot-spots,” she said.
“The Australian Government has committed $450,000 to the project, using money and assets confiscated from criminals under proceeds of crime legislation to benefit the law-abiding citizens of Albury.
“This completes a very important election commitment by me to Council and local police, to assist them in making Albury’s CBD more secure day and night.
“I am delighted to see the project finally up and running – it certainly ensures our growing city has the necessary measures in place to keep us that little bit safer.”
The cameras complement other anti-crime initiatives led by AlburyCity, including improved lighting in sections of the CBD as well as artworks on public assets to prevent graffiti.
There will be strict controls on access to the footage to protect people’s privacy. These controls include adherence to the CCTV Code of Practice and Standard Operating Procedure, as well as a formal application process by police wishing to use the footage for investigations.
