The crime combat camera project in Stratford's business area was last week further cemented by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Stratford council, police and Central Taranaki Safe Community Trust.
The signing was to formalise the relationship forged over the last ten years, setting out each party's role
in the maintenance, operation and monitoring of the crime prevention tool.
The council installed the first cameras, monitored by the police, in the central business area in 2000 in response to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. In 2002 the police recommended a group of volunteers be formed for monitoring. While initially successful, the recruitment and training of volunteers was an issue and in 2009 the Central Taranaki Safe Community Trust took over monitoring.
Senior sergeant Darin Haenga says the cameras are a valuable tool in identifying perpetrators. "The incidents of disorder, violence and intentional damage in the CBD have reduced in the time the cameras are in operation; that and the fact we monitor closely the management of licensed premises."
