By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A FEDERAL Liberal candidate says he’ll fight for funding for more closed-circuit television cameras in central Dandenong.
Emanuele Cicchiello, who will run in the Bruce electorate in September’s federal election, wants the Coalition if in power to allocate some of its pledged $50 million Plan for Safer Streets towards the cause.
Last week, Mr Cicchiello and opposition justice spokesman Michael Keenan met Greater Dandenong’s chief executive John Bennie and mayor Angela Long to discuss the issue.
As part of a $485,000 council and state government project, three of 13 CCTV cameras have been installed in Halpin Way and Settlers Square and been running since February.
The council reports there have been no incidents since requiring CCTV footage for police investigations.
The council is set to install 10 others in the Foster Street precinct near the railway station, Thomas Street and Greenland Place by the end of June.
The wireless cameras will transmit ‘real time’ vision and be monitored at all times at Dandenong police station.
An existing camera also records footage at the railway station taxi rank in Foster Street.
Mr Cicchiello said there was a ‘‘real need’’ to deter crime and catch criminals at other retail areas such as Palm Plaza.
“Research shows CCTV is very effective in improving safety and I know the existing network of cameras in central Dandenong, which became operational late last year, have been welcomed by the community.’’
He said the Plan for Safer Streets could also fund mobile CCTV as surveillance in hoon hot spots in Noble Park.
Dandenong Retail Traders Association chairwoman Glenys Cooper said more cameras would give comfort to customers and traders, particularly at night.
‘‘They not only need to be installed but they have to be monitored,’’ she said. “We’d like to see that happen quickly.
“Overall Dandenong is a very safe community but the cameras give more comfort for people to go out at night, especially if the cameras are being monitored.’’
Greater Dandenong’s community engagement manager Lee Robson said the 13 camera locations were chosen after advice from Victoria Police.
She said the police’s Operation Safe Suburbs, protective services officers at Dandenong rail station, a campaign to reduce drinking in public and the Revitalising Central Dandenong project also played a part in public safety.
‘‘Around the train station there is an increase in activities which promote and reinforce positive behaviour.
‘‘All of these activities combine with CCTV to improve community perceptions of safety and to make an impact on anti-social behaviour.’’
