Cameras scaring away criminals

Newmarket's retail district now has 19 closed-circuit security cameras. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Video surveillance on the streets of Newmarket has been expanded after being linked to a drop in crime.

Five new CCTV cameras were installed in Newmarket's shopping district this month by the Newmarket Business Association, bringing the total in the area to 19.

One was installed outside Creazioni Kitchens, on Broadway's roundabout.

Owner John Slater, who is also chairman of the business association, said a fear of security cameras as a device of Big Brother was obsolete.

"It's a sign of the times. People live with it and recognise the advantages. They're more concerned about the safety of themselves and their property than the so-called limitations on civil liberties."

Surveillance had become ubiquitous around the world, he said.

"Wherever you go in the world there are CCTV cameras. Any time you go in the bank, into our showrooms ... you're being filmed.

"It's a sad commentary, but it's necessary."

Three men had been arrested after being caught on camera breaking into a car park in Newmarket. They had remarked they would now avoid burgling in the area, Mr Slater said.

"As they were taken to the police station, they said: 'This is the last time we're going to operate in Newmarket. We're going to move our operations to the North Shore because the police are older, fatter and slower and they have fewer CCTV cameras'."

In May, the area reported a 22 per cent reduction over 12 months in some crime categories, and police and the business association attributed some of the success to CCTV.

Business association chief executive Cameron Brewer said surveillance in Newmarket had been successful and suggested other towns take up its lead.

"This project is proving the CCTV cynics wrong and shows business communities can make a difference when it comes to fighting crime.

"We encourage other towns and cities around New Zealand to look at our CCTV model if they are serious about reducing crime."

But in Parnell, Parnell Inc manager Debbie Harkness said criminals knew how to avoid security cameras.

"I don't like the idea of having Big Brother cameras everywhere. The guys who commit crimes have hats and hoodies and the cameras don't pick up anything.

"Above all, we don't have a level of crime in Parnell that would warrant that intrusive measure."

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney said he struggled to think of an area in the CBD that was not covered by CCTV cameras.

He said there were 49 designated security cameras plus more attached to traffic lights.

EYES IN THE SKY
Smile, you're now on camera at:

* Broadway's roundabout.
* Khyber Pass Rd opposite McColl St.
* Crowhurst and Teed Sts.
* Morgan St and Carlton Gore Rd.
* Remuera and Middleton Rds.