By Ann Marie Angebrandt
WYNDHAM City Council would consider placing cameras in crime hotspots around the city, but only if the State Government agrees to pay for half.
Werribee Police have asked the council to indicate whether it would be in favour of placing cameras at graffiti-prone locations, shopping centres, railway stations and other hotspots.
The footage would be used to identify offenders for court evidence, as well as to deter crime.
Set-up costs for a camera program could reach up to $200,000, with on-going costs of about $40,000.
Mayor Shane Bourke said the council was not willing to commit ratepayer funds to a program until it received financial assurances from the State Government.
“We are not convinced it’s a tried and true system yet,” he said.
He said a series of arson attacks at Presidents Park may not have been prevented by cameras.
“What would stop someone doing it with a hood over their face if they knew there were cameras there?” he asked.
Cr Bourke said before any cameras were installed anywhere, the council would seek public approval.
