Greater Shepparton City Council has noted an update on the Safer City Camera Network program and proposed future investment in a mobile CCTV camera unit at the September Council Meeting.
Greater Shepparton City Council has noted an update on the Safer City Camera Network program and proposed future investment in a mobile CCTV camera unit at the September Council Meeting.
The Safer City Camera Network was established in 2012 as a partnership between Council and Victoria Police to assist with the detection of, and proactive response to, crime within the Shepparton area.
Since its inception, the network has undergone a number of upgrades and expansions and now comprises 36 fixed cameras, five Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras and six multi-head cameras, providing over 60 camera channels across Shepparton’s CBD, Victoria Park Lake and Shepparton Sports City.
Council will also investigate the purchase of a mobile CCTV camera unit which could be deployed across Greater Shepparton in response to emerging issues, identified hotspots and major events.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers said community safety remained a priority for Council, with the network playing an important role in achieving that.
“The Safer City Camera Network is an important feature of Council’s broader approach to community safety and provides valuable support for Victoria Police and the community,” he said.
“The proposed mobile CCTV camera would give Council and Victoria Police greater flexibility to respond to community concerns across the municipality.”
In the last six months, Victoria Police accessed footage from the network to investigate incidents and prosecute offenders, while Council camera operators assisted with the response to a range of incidents including assaults, drug and alcohol-related behaviour, property damage and welfare concerns.
Council’s Director Healthy Communities and Liveability, Briana Baass, said the network was one of many successful initiatives delivered through Council’s partnership with Victoria Police.
“Council and Victoria Police continue to work together on a range of programs and initiatives that improve safety outcomes and strengthen community connections across Greater Shepparton,” she said.
Over the past 12 months, Council and Victoria Police have partnered on initiatives including the Retail Crime Forum, Tatura Fit youth engagement program, community safety forums, Wipe Out Graffiti program and road safety campaigns.
More recently, the Greater Shepparton Community Safety Action Group has been established to identify emerging concerns and develop coordinated responses to improve both actual and perceived safety across the municipality.
