Council says no to Pako traders’ CCTV plea

GEELONG council has knocked back a plea to install CCTV cameras along the Newtown end of Pakington St, despite a steep rise in crime across the suburb.

Tonik owner Niki Nurnaitis said in an emailed response the city stated it was not in a position to install a permanent system along Pakington St and instead suggested store owners seek government grants.

A council email, seen by the Geelong Advertiser, said the city was in the middle of a review process of its policy regarding CCTV cameras.

“Regarding the installation of permanent CCTV camera systems in the municipality, all have been funded by way of grants either internally (councillor funding) or externally by state of federal grants and as such, there is neither funding available or plans by either council or politicians to install permanent CCTV cameras at this point in time,” the email read.

Last month Pakington St businesses urged the Geelong council to fast track a plea for CCTV cameras as a “matter of urgency” as violent thugs continue to smash their way into stores along the popular shopping strip. Mrs Nurnaitis’ surf clothing store has been hit four times since March 24.

Data released shows Newtown experienced 153 burglaries in the year to March — the fifth highest number of any suburb in Greater Geelong.