Dannevirke: Security cameras already paying off

Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis

With the rollout of Dannevirke's CCTV security cameras well under way, police and community groups are pleased with the number of people of interest "spotted", the Tararua District Council's manager of strategy and district development says.

Peter Wimsett said: "The cameras are going to help the police dramatically.

"There have already been three incidents where images have helped the police."

District Mayor Roly Ellis said Mr Wimsett had headed the drive for security cameras for Dannevirke and was the technical whizz behind the system.

Sergeant Paul Adrian of the Dannevirke Police agreed the cameras were excellent additional help for police. "These cameras are high resolution and have the wow factor," he said.

"They're a decent tool and part of the big picture when it comes to crime prevention in Dannevirke."

The balance of the cameras will be working by Christmas and Mr Wimsett said the Domain was now well covered with six cameras in place, installed by the council as part of protecting council's assets. "There may be some fine tuning of the cameras around town, but already they're proving valuable in helping keep our town and people safe," he said.