Call goes out for street cameras

The recent damage to Wellington’s Home and Office Furniture store has reinforced the need for security cameras to be installed in Wellington’s CBD, according to business owner Pam Penhall.

The furniture store has only been open since November last year, but Mrs Penhall has already had to pay for the replacement of 13 smashed windows, five scratched windows and two smashed glass panels of a store door.

Mrs Penhall said the prospect of installing security cameras in the CBD was welcomed by businessowners.

“It’s frustrating for both businessowners and for police when vandalism like this happens,” Mrs Penhall said.

“Having CCTV cameras in the street is something that will benefit the whole street and will help the police catch these criminals.”

Acting senior sergeant Rod Buhr is advocating for the installation of security cameras in Wellington.

“A number of similar-sized towns have had security cameras installed and this has proven to reduce the occurrence of malicious damages incidents,” Sergeant Buhr said.

“Private CCTV cameras were used to help solve the recent shooting incident at the tattoo parlour in the main street - if these cameras were installed in the entire CBD, they would be an invaluable investigative tool.”

Wellington Council’s director of planning, environmental and community services John Clague said the installation of these cameras is dependent on the outcome of a State Government grant application.

“Installation of these cameras is quite an expensive process and the council has applied for State funding to help pay for this venture,” Mr Clague said.

“Businessowners have also been approached for donations to the cause.

“The council certainly recognises the desire of Wellington’s business community to have these cameras installed, and it is front-of-mind for the council.

“All we are waiting for now is for the grant application to be approved.”