By ALANA MITCHELSON
A victim of 17 break-ins is shocked State Government has rejected an application for more surveillance cameras around Geelong.
“It’s sickening,” said Raw Edge Hairdressing’s Caitlyn Macdonald.
“I’ve had three insurance companies quit on me. I’ve spent $63,000 to replace glass and paid over $3,000 for roller shutters earlier this year.
“That’s made me feel a lot safer but it’s tough.
“CCTV cameras are a great idea.”
Other Belmont businesses shared her concern.
Coffee By Design owner Tony Rankin wanted the cameras after six break-ins in the past nine years.
“CCTV cameras wouldn’t only protect shops, they would make the area safer for nearby residents as well,” he said.
“The thing about cameras is they provide a visual, so they’re not open to human error. Cameras don’t lie.
“It’s a real shame to hear the state’s knocked back CCTV funding. I think cameras are a good deterrence because people are aware of being filmed.”
Belmont Business Association president Greg Aylmore said the suburb’s existing cameras had reduced crime.
“We now have a camera in the Coles car park. We’ve noticed an improvement since the camera was brought in,” he said.
“More are needed.”
The State Government also rejected council funding applications for cameras in central Geelong, Norlane, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Drysdale.
Cr Jan Farrell, who holds a community safety portfolio, was disappointed the applications failed.
“I’ve asked for feedback so that council can work alongside the Department of Justice on submissions for the next round of funding.”
Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said the Federal Government’s Safer Streets program could provide a funding alternative.
