Liberals pledge more cameras in city

More surveillance cameras would combat violence in central Geelong if the Liberals won next week’s election, Justice and Customs Minister David Johnston announced yesterday.
Mr Johnston said a re elected Howard Government would give City of Greater Geelong $300,000 to expand its network of cameras.
Mr Johnston visited Geelong to announce the funding a day after nightclubs and authorities launched a new accord to crack down on drunken crime in the city area.
The promise followed Liberal Member for Corangamite Stewart McArthur urging the Government to re evaluate a failed City application earlier this year for $500,000 to buy more surveillance cameras.
Mr McArthur said the Liberal funding would also improve the quality of the network.
“The quality of live and recorded images will be enhanced as a result of this funding, making it a more effective tool for the police to identify offenders,” he said.
“An upgraded CCTV security system in central Geelong supported by the police will help deter criminals and vandals because the word will get out that offenders will be filmed and caught.”
Mr McArthur said a network upgrade would also benefit retailers because it would improve perceptions of safety in central Geelong and “encourage the community to reclaim the city’s streets”.
“Mums and dads across Geelong’s suburbs and the Bellarine Peninsula have a genuine expectation their young adult children will be safe enjoying the entertainment in the city at nights and I am pleased a re elected Liberal Government will work with the council to crack down on thugs, hoons and vandals.”
Liberal candidate for Corio Angelo Kakouros said a camera upgrade would enhance Geelong’s “award winning” strategy to tackle crime.