General News
27 November, 2023
Police encourage community to utilise CCTV systems
CCTV cameras could play a key role in solving crimes, according to police, with local authorities urging rural landowners to install them on their properties. As part of a recently launched operation, investigators from the Goldfields Crime...
CCTV cameras could play a key role in solving crimes, according to police, with local authorities urging rural landowners to install them on their properties.
As part of a recently launched operation, investigators from the Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and Maryborough Police, are promoting the importance of setting up CCTV systems, especially in rural areas.
“Investigators find that when investigating incidents of rural crime which includes stock theft, theft of firearms and burglaries on [some] weekender properties it is common to have no witnesses, no CCTV, and no starting point for investigation,” Goldfields CIU Detective Sergeant Steve Atkinson said.
“One image from a CCTV still or video can be a vital starting point for solving crime.
“We are [also] working with local gun dealers to assist promoting the initiative when [they] sell or deal with firearms, [they can] promote the use of a CCTV system.”
Det Sgt Atkinson added that a camera that covers the main entry or exit point to a property, or a surveillance system focused on a firearms storage unit could be the key to solving relevant cases, especially some of the more serious crimes.
“[With CCTVs], we are certain we can increase [our] solve rates and arrests with a view of deterring stock theft, rural burglaries and firearm thefts,” he said.
“The capture of an image of an offenders clothing or vehicle description can [also] be linked to incidents across the region in some cases.
“CCTV systems can now cost as little as $80 with systems that are solar powered and can send images to a mobile phone device enabling the sharing of images quickly with police.”