Local CCTV cameras a wasted resource in key hinterland town centres as crime soars
By Kirra Livingstone
MORE than 30 CCTV cameras installed to monitor criminal activity in Beerwah, Glass House and Landsborough have not worked for years, it has been revealed. The cameras, installed 10 years ago as part of the Safer Streets Program, had not been operating due to the ongoing cost of the security measure.
Business and civic leaders are now seeking to ensure they are switched on following a spate of crime. Eleven businesses have been targeted in the past two weeks alone, with theft and vandalism causing thousands of dollars in damage.
From August 31 to September 8, Lifeline, Neddy’s Nosebags, Kitchen, Bar and More, Glass House IGA, Stepping Out Podiatry and Daisy Lane Nails were all targeted.
The Beerwah Coffee Club, Stirling Legal Group, Beerwah Print, That Little Dress Shop and Deals and Dollars were victims of vandalism.
It can now be revealed that cameras – installed in 2015- were not operating. Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce president, Tamara Hazelden, said she was working with authorities to get the CCTV cameras working again.
“I’ve partnered with (Division 1) Councillor Jenny Broderick, and met with Sergeant Shaun Ingenhoven (Beerwah) to discuss security concerns for our towns,” she said. “Together, we are working closely with local authorities to maintain safety and keep everyone informed through regular updates from our police department.
We’re in the process of having local CCTV professionals assess what’s needed to get them operational again, which would be a big step toward enhancing security.” Ms Hazelden added that the recent graffiti issues in Beerwah particularly, was a top priority to the business, police and council.
“We’re also working with Youth Justice to create positive change and prevent further vandalism,” she said. The Aura Emergency Precinct is set to open its doors this month which Caloundra MP, Jason Hunt, said should ease the stress on the other Hinterland police stations.
“The new QPS station at Aura will be able to assist the hinterland area if needed and I’m sure that our local police have operational contingencies in place for just those sort of events,” he said. “But I will never interfere in how police deploy their resources, they know far better than I how to get the best use out of their officers.”
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson said they could not disclose staffing numbers at the Beerwah Station, but the station was “sufficiently staffed”. “While staffing figures may change from time to time, the QPS has sufficient staff and resources to deliver professional policing services to Beerwah and surrounds,” they said.