Dannevirke: Businesses asked to help with CCTV plan

At an early breakfast meeting last Friday the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce donated $5000 to the CCTV project. (From left) Chamber of Commerce secretary/treasurer Sharleen Mason, chairman Suresh Patel and Bob Dresser of the Dannevirke Promotions and Development group. Photo/Christine McKay

It's time to kick our town's CCTV project in the guts and really get it moving, Suresh Patel, chairman of the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce told business owners last Friday.

"The project isn't just about the CBD, but a safer community, with cameras at the domain and back streets and alleyways," Mr Patel said. "This is a great initiative and needs to be supported."

Mr Patel urged the 58 people present at the chamber's early morning breakfast to dip into their pockets and pledge money for the cameras.

Acting Sergeant Gary McKernon of the Dannevirke police said he's had experience with CCTV cameras back in England.

"They increased our work load dramatically and were a good eye-in-the-sky tool," he said.

"CCTV cameras aren't about big brother, but about detecting crime. If something happens on a Friday night I want that camera information to help me arrest someone on Saturday afternoon and have them in the cells until they appear in court on the Monday.

"Once local layabouts realise we're going to be catching up with them then they'll know Dannevirke isn't the place to be."

There was a spike in burglaries at commercial premises late last year, with 29 reported, but police only had forensics for five of those, Mr McKernon said.

However, one of our town's biggest problems was graffiti, he said.

"If people travelling through town on State Highway 2 see graffiti do you think they will want to stop?" he asked.

Four trial cameras are already in place and Bob Dresser of the Dannevirke Promotions and Development group said it is important once all the cameras are in place that the system is monitored by the police.

"We've a plan for 32 cameras, now we need cash," he said.

"The cameras are likely to deter and detect crime and will give people peace of mind.

"But we're not spying on anyone. So if people are behaving there's no problem, we just want to prevent burglaries, vandalism and graffiti attacks."

Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis said he would be putting his hand in his pocket to help get the project kick-started.

"If we don't support our High St, then small towns like Dannevirke die," he said.

"No matter how many grants we apply for, to get the CCTV project rolling everyone needs to support it. Our town will be safer and people will come to live here."

At the start of the meeting the project had a $15,000 funding shortfall, but a $5000 donation from the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, has helped reduce the money needed to $10,000.