Cameras help police nab 75 offenders

Police cameras helped nab 75 lawbreakers in Masterton's central business district in the first six months since being installed.
Officer in charge of the CCTV system, Constable Mark Brown, said police are well on the way to achieving the target set for crimes picked up on camera.
The target was reached by comparing Masterton with an area of similar size that also has a CCTV surveillance system installed.
"Looking at the Hutt we set a target of a 100 for the first year, and we are way ahead of schedule."
The cameras came online in late December last year and the first lot of statistics were compiled up until June 24.
"We're very pleased with the first six months of stats. It shows that the implementation of the cameras was warranted."
From the 72 crimes detected, 75 people have been charged with offences ranging from indecent assault to breach of the liquor ban.
The incidents picked up by the cameras were 11 incidents of violence on the street, seven dishonesty offences and 14 incidents of disorderly behaviour, 23 for breach of the liquor ban, eight for traffic offences, one for breaching bail, one for wilful damage, and seven listed only as "other".
"It is highly likely they would not have been reported had we not had the cameras in place," Mr Brown said.
The cameras were paid for by Masterton District Council and various contributors.
Mr Brown says the ongoing cost to run the system is minimal.
Volunteers man the cameras during periods of high crime activity in the town centre.
"The volunteers are going really well, they really enjoy what they do and feel they contributing to making the CBD (central business district) a safer place."
"We've had a lot of positive comment from business owners in town. They say the cameras are a wonderful idea and they can't understand why they weren't in place sooner."
The system had some teething problems in the first few months but have been running smoothly since. He said the cameras have proved cost effective and have added another valuable tool to the police duty belt.
Another three cameras are to be installed soon.