By ALESHA CAPONE
HOBSONS Bay police and traders have thrown their support behind a push to install CCTV cameras along Altona and Williamstown’s main streets and beaches.
Two nominees running in the Hobsons Bay City Council elections – which will close to voters on Friday – have said they will advocate for security cameras to be installed in both suburbs.
Cherry Lake Ward candidate Patrick Lalor said if elected he hopes to install CCTV cameras along Altona’s beach and shopping area.
Strand Ward contender Antonio Cefala has also committed to putting a CCTV system in Williamstown in his Victorian Electoral Commission website statement.
The issue of security cameras in Hobsons Bay was raised in 2009 when up to 20 people became involved in a Pier St brawl which ended with an Altona Meadows resident getting stabbed.
The present Hobsons Bay mayor and election candidate Tony Briffa said he had discussed installing CCTV in key locations across the municipality with traders and police.
“I have also flagged the possibility of a future mayoral program to assist local shopkeepers install CCTV and have further safety improvements planned for Harrington Square,” he said.
His fellow councillor and election candidate Michael Raffoul said he was supportive of installing security cameras in Pier St, The Esplanade and Nelson Place.
“The benefits would by far out-weight the cost,” he said.
Hobsons Bay police Inspector Bill Mathers said officers would welcome a CCTV system.
“With summer policing coming up we will have increased public order issues,” he said.
“But we realise it would cost a significant amount and would talk to council about it.”
Altona Traders Association president Kim Walsh said the group could see both sides of the argument for and against CCTV.
“However anything which makes shoppers and shopkeepers feel better and safer is fine by us,” he said.
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce president Sash Boseovski said he could not speak on behalf of all the area’s traders.
“But my personal stance is I think CCTV would be good in Douglas Parade, Ferguson St and Nelson Place,” he said.
“I think it would be a positive thing in making streets a bit safer.”
