Cameras don't work in the dark, kiosk owner claims
Central Coast Council has installed closed circuit television cameras at Umina Oval that do not work in the dark and is refusing to install lighting, according to a business owner who has suffered 36 break-ins in four years.
"The nine cameras are not infrared and can't film in the dark," according to Jasmine Greens kiosk operator Ms Gabby Greyem.
"Police have admitted publicly that the cameras can't film in the dark park."
Last week, the Council defended its refusal to install lighting and said Ms Greyem should use metal security gates to protect the glass doors.
However, Ms Greyem said that only one of the break-ins had been through the glass doors.
"All 35 other break-ins to the building, since I have been a tenant, have taken place through the roller shutter of the kiosk and through the multiple wooden doors on the building," she said.
A media statement was issued on behalf of Council chief Mr Brian Glendenning on June 29.
Following the release of the statement, Jasmine Greens Kiosk was again broken into at 11:30pm on July 3, a total of three break-ins in three weeks.
"Council has contacted the police and the CCTV contractor and is awaiting further information to be able to determine the status with the functionality of CCTV cameras at Peninsula Recreation Precinct," Mr Glendenning said.
"Council is continuing a general review of CCTVs that have been installed by Council and the management strategy.
"Based on experience and previous advice from NSW Police, Council lights only those recreational facilities that are scheduled for evening use."
The Council statement claimed the Jasmine Greens kiosk break-ins were "targeted".
"Council has spoken with Jasmine Greens Park Kiosk owner Gabby Greyem and strongly recommended that metal security gates, which were previously installed by Council to protect the glass doors, be utilised and locked at the end of each day's trading," Mr Glendenning said.
"Council is aware that there are internal CCTV cameras, which were installed and managed by Ms Greyem, but it is unknown if these were operational at the time.
"The external CCTV in the precincts open space area is a back-to-base system at Woy Woy Police station.
"Council was not aware of any system faults at the time of the break-ins.
"While the nearby Umina Skate Park is not floodlit, BATO Yard regional skate facility is floodlit as it was developed for extended hour's usage each day due to its high profile nature and high levels of passive surveillance from the adjacent main road.
"Peninsula Recreation Precinct has low levels of passive surveillance after dark and is located in a secluded position away from passing traffic.
"Umina's Skate Park had previously been lit by floodlights but this was turned off after it was determined that the lights attracted congregations of people and increased anti-social behaviour.
"The newly constructed Banjo's Skate Park is located in a highly visible area but will not have lighting installed.
"Police are continuing their investigations of the break-ins and Council are following the status and relevant issues that arise from final findings."
Council's statement also responded to the statement made by Ms Greyem in a previous edition of Peninsula News regarding non-payment of promised grants by Council.
"Council awarded funding of the Baristas Beating Crime through the Community Development Grant Program, and made the $4000 payment on October 19, 2017.
"The payment was made as directed to PCYC, as the local PCYC organisation was nominated to run the project.
"Council have contacted Ms Greyem directly, as well as the PCYC, and advised the status of this grant payment."
Ms Greyem said she had not locked the metal shutters in the building for over two years because she considered them "heavy and dangerous".
"They are a Work Health and Safety liability and despite my requests for Council to repair the shutters, they have not acted on this for over two years." Ms Greyem said.
"June 2018 was the first time the glass windows of the shop, the thickest safety glass available, 100 kg of glass per window, have been broken into and I covered the repairs for the glass damage as per my lease.
"All 35 other break-ins to the building, since I have been a tenant, have taken place through the roller shutter of the kiosk and through the multiple wooden doors not he building.
"There are 14 doors that need to be secured.
"The last two break-ins I have suffered, in recent weeks, were through wooden doors.
"The lights have been off in the park for the entire four years I have been a tenant.
"The darkness attracts anti-social behaviour.
"Lights attract social behaviour such as exercising, dog walking, sport playing and reduce anti-social behaviour.
"The Police have used the darkness excuse to not see what is really happening in the area at night.
"The nine cameras are not infrared and can't film in the dark.
"Police have admitted publicly that the cameras can't film in the dark park.
Ms Greyem said she would be meeting with mayor Cr Jane Smith this week to discuss the issues.
Detective Inspector John Zdrilic, officer in charge at Woy Woy Police Station, said he would be happy to be interviewed by Peninsula News regarding the ongoing issues in the area but was not available as we were going to press.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 29 Jun 2018
Brian Glendenning, Central Coast Council
Media statement, 8 Jul 2018
John Zdrilic, Woy Woy Police Station
Media statements, 4, 7 and 12 Jul 2018
Gabby Greyem, Jasmine Greens Kiosk
Reporter: Jackie Pearson