Town has cameras, thanks

Riversdale Beach ratepayers have been quick to respond to news the coastal township could be on a list of places to benefit from the installation of Masterton District Council surveillance cameras, by reminding the council they already have two operating.

Bill Roberts, president of the Riversdale Beach Ratepayers Association, said a security camera has been situated at the village entrance for 10 years and had only recently been replaced by two new ones installed outside the Holiday Park camp.

"One faces back to the direction of the beach and the other forward to those coming to Riversdale," he said.

Mr Roberts said two new cameras had been installed just six weeks ago at a cost of $4000 and had been funded by donations.

'We asked residents for $10 each and got a great response.

"Some gave $50 and some $100," Mr Roberts said.

The old camera had reached its use-by date but in the decade it had operated had a fair share of success in helping police nab wrongdoers.

Apart from the cameras the association is planning to conduct a trial neighbourhood watch for permanent residents.

This follows an approach to the association by Neighbourhood Support, which publishes an email weekly newsletter with information from police.

Included in the newsletter is where recent burglaries happened, along with such things as scams and boy racer activities.