You're being watched

WATCHFUL EYE: City Safe Guardian Jenna (the Rotorua Daily Post has agreed not to publish her surname for safety reasons) with the nearly completed upgraded CCTV network that monitors the central city.PHOTO/BEN FRASER

$185K CCTV upgrade means city will soon have 88 security cameras

LATEST technology security cameras are now operating in Rotorua's central city as part of a massive upgrade costing the Rotorua Lakes Council $185,000.

The 32 new cameras, three more than previously, are more sophisticated and give those monitoring them and the police a better chance of catching criminals because the pictures are much clearer, police and a local security company say. The new cameras add to news reported by the Rotorua Daily Post this week the New Zealand Transport Agency is funding 18 new cameras at traffic light intersections in the city. Rotorua Central Mall has also recently upgraded its 38 cameras, meaning the city will soon be monitored by 88 security cameras.

The new central city closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are funded by the council at a cost of $155,000 for the cameras and $30,000 for fibre and cabling expenses.

It's the first time the cameras have been upgraded since they were installed in 1997 and the new system provides much better zoom capability, making detecting finer details easier for police.

Council transport operations manager Peter Dine said the replacement and upgrade programme for the cameras was previously budgeted for.

He said they were installed in several spots across the central city and beyond and at a number of council facilities. However, he did not want to disclose exact locations for security reasons.

Work to install the replacement cameras is nearly finished and the three new cameras and some system work will be finished during the coming weeks.

Mr Dine said the old cameras were nearing the end of their lives.

"The old cameras have reached the stage where they are now less reliable and prone to breakdowns, requiring costly repairs. The new cameras are the latest technology available, are much more stable in all types of conditions, have better zoom capability and offer higher quality image resolution."

The cameras are monitored by City Safe Guardians and have recording capabilities.

Block champion and inner-city retailer Ron Finn said improved and increased surveillance "has got to be a positive".

"Not just for retailers but customers and the general public too. Having new cameras and more of them will only make the inner city safer."

Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith, who leads the Rotorua CIB team, said the cameras were often used when investigating serious crimes such as robberies and assaults.

The new cameras follow news reported this week 18 new Transport Agency cameras are being installed at traffic light intersections on state highways. Five are already in place at Fenton and Hinemoa Sts, Fairy Springs, Lake and Clayton Rds, Old Taupo and Sunset Rds, Old Taupo Rd and Pukuatua St and Old Taupo and Malfroy Rds.

The cameras are linked to the Tauranga Traffic Operations Centre as well as the council and will be used by the Transport Agency to monitor traffic flow, allowing them to change traffic light sequencing at the touch of a button.

- Additional reporting Stephanie Arthur-Worsop

Upgraded CCTV system

- 32 central city cameras (previously 29)
- Latest technology with better zoom capabilities
- Cost Rotorua Lakes Council $155,000 plus $30,000 installation expenses
- CCTV network hasn't been upgraded since installed in 1997
- Monitored by City Safe Guardians
- Adds to 18 New Zealand Transport Agency cameras planned for traffic lights
- Adds to recently upgraded 38 Rotorua Central security cameras