CCTV impact not measured

Almost eight months after the $680,000 Peninsula CCTV camera project was launched, it has become evident that its impact on crime is not likely to be measured.

However local police say they are finding the system to be a "useful tool" and shopkeepers say they have noticed a significant reduction in vandalism.

Brisbane Water Area Command crime coordinator detective senior sergeant Vivian Crawford

said the new system had shown great examples of police work since it was launched last July.

"It has proven to be a useful tool for police in tracking offenders near camera locations, identifying criminal suspects and tracking and witnessing crimes in real time as they occur," senior sergeant Crawford said.

"Unfortunately, we cannot say if the cameras have reduced crime rates in Umina, Woy Woy and Ettalong based on the fact they are there as a tool for police to carry out their day-to-day duties.

"It is too difficult to keep track of whether a criminal charge has been laid or a court conviction made successful as a result of the cameras.

"Police use other avenues of investigation such as eye witness accounts as another tool to make an arrest."

Gosford Council and Brisbane Water police anticipated a "reduction in crime rates in the Woy Woy, Umina and Ettalong precincts" in a council press release issued with the launch last July.

Council's director of engineering services Mr John Cragg said after speaking with police it was evident that is was going to be difficult to attribute a change in crime patterns on the Peninsula to the new camera system.

"There are many factors behind not being able to establish a change in crime patterns as a result of the CCTV cameras," Mr Cragg said,

"For instance, court convictions may take months if not years to be finalised.

"It is just too hard to pinpoint whether a specific crime was solved because of the CCTV camera.

"It is but a tool to deter crimes and assist police in gathering evidence giving them additional assistance in making arrests."

Meanwhile, Umina shopkeepers Cathy and Peter James of Tobacco Station in West St said they have noticed a significant improvement in antisocial behaviour and crime in the area since the cameras were installed.

"We really believe the cameras have done something to improve the area," Mr James said.

"There has definitely been a reduction in the number of incidents occurring in the area.

"Prior to the cameras, it was not uncommon to see broken shop windows and street vandalism at least once a week in the main street.

"Now you can drive down the street in the morning and you're not as likely to see a window smashed or rubbish on the footpaths and road.

"It has been money well spent I think."

Clare Graham, 18 Feb 2010 Interviewee: Vivian Crawford, Brisbane Water Area Command Peter James, Umina Tobacco Station Press release, 13 Jul 2009 Gosford Council Clare Graham, 17 Feb 2010 John Cragg, Gosford Council