BUNBURY’S Closed Circuit Television network will be extended following a $390,000 injection of funds from the State Government to further enhance security in the CBD.
Alcohol fueled violence has been a continuing problem in Bunbury and it was hoped the funding would help curb violence and increase safety in known trouble spots.
It has not yet been established what specific areas will be targeted by the additional funding.
The City of Bunbury’s Community Crime Prevention Committee will make recommendations on how the funding should be used.
The funds were part of the $6 million Community Crime Prevention Program recently approved by the government.
Bunbury received almost double the funding through the program than other regions such as Kalgoorlie and almost four times as much as Geraldton.
As part of the funding a specialised operator will be hired to monitor the cameras during peak times.
Bunbury Senior Sergeant Russell Gardiner welcomed the State Government’s announcement.
“CCTV is a great tool for police,” Sen. Sgt Gardiner said.
“We have been able to use footage captured on CCTV a number of times as evidence in court.”
Bunbury MLA John Castrilli inspected the CCTV equipment at Bunbury Police Station on Monday this week and said the funding would help make the city’s CBD safer for everyone to enjoy.
“Improving safety in our CBD is critical to ensuring that people of all ages have the right and peace of mind to enjoy all we have to offer,” Mr Castrilli said.
“We need to do more to stamp out the anti-social behaviour which is turning people away, particularly on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
“This funding will allow someone to monitor the cameras which will help police respond faster and more efficiently as soon as they see trouble brewing.”