General News
22 June, 2021
Council supports increased CCTV presence
MAREEBA Shire Council says it supports and is open to talking with local businesses that want to implement CCTV cameras as a measure to deter and potentially identify would-be offenders in the wake of increased youth and juvenile driven crimes.
MAREEBA Shire Council says it supports and is open to talking with local businesses that want to implement CCTV cameras as a measure to deter and potentially identify would-be offenders in the wake of increased youth and juvenile driven crimes.
Just days ago Mareeba’s cenotaph was graffitied and vandalised for the second time in many weeks, while Bicentennial Lakes was also targeted.
In Atherton, the local girl guides hall and tennis club also experienced recent break-ins. In the past few days there has been increased conversation, particularly by members of Mareeba’s community Facebook pages about the need for an increased CCTV and security camera presence in and around Mareeba’s main streets.
“Council supports the operation of CCTV video monitoring systems within the Mareeba township CBD as a method for deterring crime and capturing evidence to support police investigations,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin told The Express.
“To help increase the prevalence of CCTV operations within the township, Council provides subsidies for businesses that install the systems and is always willing to speak with business owners who are considering adopting the measure.”
While Council isn’t responsible for policing local laws Ms Toppin said she supports any move to reduce local juvenile and youth crime trends. “It is not within my role as Mayor to personally act on juvenile and youth crime,”
Ms Toppin explained. “Council is supportive of interagency efforts to prevent juvenile and youth crime and provide young people with a sense of purpose and belonging within the Mareeba Shire community.
“Council is always willing to offer its resources to be a part of the community solution to problems related to juvenile and youth crime and to advocate for new solutions.
“The Councillors and I will continue to advocate on behalf of the community for the ongoing development and implementation of proactive steps to address these issues by the various responsible State agencies."
