Club told buy own camera

Carterton Memorial Club has been urged to install its own security camera after its second request for a council-funded camera was turned down.

Club president Martin Keedwell told Wairarapa Times-Age there had been a spate of vandalism and other petty crimes outside the club, located on Broadway, this year.

Carterton District Council was asked in October to install a security camera outside the club, he said, which the club membership would fund. The council turned down the request but decided to establish a policy on CBD cameras.

It was the second time the club had sought a camera through the council after making a similar request more than 18 months ago, Mr Keedwell said.

Carterton Deputy Mayor Elaine Brazendale said the latest request was denied as the council had been asked to fund the camera, which was an unbudgeted expense.

"Security lighting and a camera are not hugely expensive and the club would not be prohibited, as far as I know, from installing their own camera at any time," she said.

Brian McWilliams, Carterton District Council parks and recreation manager, said there are four cameras in the town CBD that have been operating for up to seven years.

He said there is a camera each at the corners of High Street North and Holloway Street, High Street North and Memorial Square, High Street North and Belvedere Road, and in High Street South across the road from Carrington Park.

Two of the four cameras, which are each capable of panning 360 degrees, were upgraded last year and the other two will be upgraded next year, he said.

The cameras' viewing screen is housed at the Carterton Police Station, he said, and while the cameras are not constantly monitored, the system runs and records every moment of the day and night.

The lenses on the system yield enough resolution and clarity to allow the brand of cigarettes to be read across the road from the cameras.

He said the main street system had been useful in the wake of vandalism and other crimes that had been caught on camera and the cameras also serve as deterrents.

"Back when Carterton police officers lived in the town, the tapes could be viewed after something happened and they could tell who a person was by their walk or the shape of the hat. That's how good they've been," he said.

Mr McWilliams said there also were about 10 fixed cameras located at the Carterton Railway Station that were owned and operated by Greater Wellington Regional Council .