By JESSE GRAHAM
CASEY MP Tony Smith has pledged new CCTV camera networks around the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs if the Coalition is re-elected next month.
On Monday, 13 June, Mr Smith announced $420,000 in funding for new security cameras in Yarra Glen, Woori Yallock, Mount Evelyn, Monbulk and Mooroolbark, to be delivered if the Coalition is re-elected on 2 July.
Yarra Glen would receive $90,000 in funding, to establish a network of cameras around town that would relay back to Lilydale and Yarra Glen Police Stations.
The cameras will be funded through the Coalition’s Safer Communities Fund, and maintenance will be paid for by community groups, such as the Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Smith said the cameras would deter criminals, as well as help police to investigate incidents after-the-fact by providing high-resolution video and images of suspects.
“You’ll have cameras operating in Lilydale, here and Healesville … right through that triangle, and we’ll have others across the Yarra Valley as well,” he said.
The cameras will supplement those provided to Healesville, Yarra Junction and Lilydale under a previous election commitment from Mr Smith.
Chamber president Alex Lagerwey said the cameras would help police to investigate crimes, such as the recent theft of dozens of shrubs from the town centre upgrades in Bell Street.
“It’s a fantastic additional tool to aid crime deterrence and detection, not just for tourists, but all visitors and residents of the town, as well,” Mr Lagerwey said.
The town has been the scene of larger crimes in the past year, with an ATM stolen from the United Petroleum service station and, on another occasion, bakery staff robbed at gunpoint early in the morning.
Mr Lagerwey said the cameras would give police the description of offenders and their vehicles, number plates and the direction they were travelling in.
“It gives a starting point,” he said.
“Without cameras, it’s absolutely scratch-start, and a long-haul investigation to find the perpetrator.”
Crime Prevention Officer Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock said that cameras in Lilydale had seen crime in the area decrease by 70 per cent – a figure that had “continually stayed down”.
Casey candidate for Labor, Hovig Melkonian, was contacted for comment, but was unable to comment on whether his party would match the funding, or announce similar initiatives.
