Minister for Police, Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll have today launched a proactive safety initiative in Cairns targeting anti-social behaviour impacting local businesses and the community.
Operation Cairns Business Watch which commenced last week, has brought businesses and police together to discuss work being done in the Cairns CBD to address anti-social behaviour.
Since Friday, officers have engaged with over 100 businesses individually for the purpose of addressing any issues surrounding anti-social behaviour.
Commissioner Carroll said the relationship between police and local businesses was paramount to solving crime and making the community safer.
“One important aspect of the operation is the Community Camera Alliance which is all about encouraging businesses and the community to register their closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“CCTV has become a crucial investigative tool in modern policing. It is regularly used to investigate and solve serious crimes and is invaluable when used as evidence as it provides an unquestionable account of the identity and actions of offenders.”
“QPS can access the footage for the purposes of investigating crime when businesses and the community members register online.”
“Local police are reliant on the partnership with Cairns Regional Council (CRC) CCTV operators to ensure a proactive collaborative approach to public safety and local crime issues in Cairns,” Commissioner Carroll said.
Business security, personal safety advice and community camera alliance information has been provided to businesses as part of Operation Cairns Business Watch. The operation remains ongoing.
Minister Ryan said he was pleased to see the collaborative efforts of police and the community.
“Operation Business Watch launched on December 9 and has comprised of officers visiting local businesses and speaking to owners and managers about any concerns they may have.
“I acknowledge the efforts of the local police who are working hard and listening what the community has to say.
“Community safety is a partnership and I’m pleased to see everyone in the Cairns CBD working together to make this a reality,” the Minister said.
