Cameras may be answer to gangs

THE recent attack on a police officer and the increased focus on local gang culture have highlighted an existing problem of violence and unlawful behaviour taking place on our local streets.
While much has been said about who is to blame for the current situation one thing is for certain, as a community we have to work together in order to find a viable and long-lasting solution.
Members of the community I speak to about this problem tell me that they fear for their personal safety when walking the streets or when visiting the local shopping precincts; this is a situation that’s unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
A possible solution, which may help to allay residents’ fears, is the installation of CCTV cameras in public areas, such as shopping strips.
Under the Federal Government’s National Community Crime Prevention Program, communities can apply for grants to help cover the cost of installing security cameras. These have been used to great effect in Croydon and Lilydale, and it is something that we as a community should consider.
Angela Randall,
Liberal candidate for Bruce.