The upgrade was made possible after the City of Swan received an $847,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund. As a result, 37 more cameras along with fibre-optic cabling providing high quality live footage directly to the police station at Kiara have been installed. Beechboro, Lockridge and Midland CBD have all received new cameras.
The aim of the innovations was to boost CCTV coverage in popular pedestrian locations including pathways, car parks and parks. According to Mayor Kevin Bailey the upgrade will help locals feel safer while also assisting police with incidences of antisocial behaviour and other crime.
He said the council had a responsibility to local businesses and residents to assist in crime prevention, adding:
“As one of the fastest growing local government areas in the Perth metropolitan area, we are meeting the challenges that come with an increased population.”
The extra cameras will be added to the city’s already 300-strong network, effectively increasing the CCTV footage available to WA police. The council and other authorities sometimes use flyer printing to spread the word of new initiatives and events of community interest to residents.
According to Northern Suburbs Senator Dean Smith, the recent investment of $1m worth of CCTV in key areas across the City is set to help greatly in making local streets safer for everyone.