CCTV NETWORK AN INVESTMENT IN PEACE OF MIND

Anywhere, any time: you are in focus” – that is the message Papakura Business Association has for people thinking about breaking the law in the town centre.

The Association has completed the initial installation of closed circuit television cameras around the town centre and the investment has already paid off, helping Police solve two aggravated robbery incidents.

The incidents were quickly resolved as a direct result of the PBA’s investment in the camera network.

Camera locations are designed to cover all known ‘hot spots’ and provide a view of the town centre that helps Police solve crimes. The Association also expects the camera network will help reduce antisocial behaviour.

Now, chairperson Heather Obern says the Association is about to commit to a further set of cameras with the full support of Papakura Local Board. With safety and security matters high on the Local Board agenda as well, it has for some time been working in partnership with the Association and Papakura Police to get the CCTV network up and running.

“We will continue to work closely with the Board, who are active partners in this project. What this investment by PBA means is that people coming into town to shop can feel much safer, knowing there is a round-the-clock eye on behaviour here; while people who think it’s okay to come here to commit petty crime or worse can be assured they are being watched and recorded,” she said.

The PBA has invested more than $100,000 to establish the network hardware.

“Our core business is economic development. We have a responsibility to use the money we receive wisely and to greatest effect. So we do see it as our role to invest in the CCTV network because it makes people feel safe and secure while shopping. That investment reassures our retailers that crime is going to be watched and solved.”

Alongside the CCTV project, the PBA and the local board are together looking more closely at how safety and security services are delivered in the town centre overall.

“We need to take stock of all the ways various groups contribute to security and safety in the town centre and of course our first message to our retailers and to members of the public is this: if you see criminal behaviour or feel threatened, don’t hesitate, call the Police. That is what they are there for.”