Cameras help but need not great
FOOTAGE from newly installed CCTV cameras is helping police with their inquiries around the University of Otago area over summer — but in the main, the area has been peaceful, the university proctor says.
Proctor Dave Scott said after the end of exams a few students stayed locally, some attending summer school, but the North Dunedin population was ‘‘significantly depleted’’.
Those students who remained did not tend to cause many issues, he said.
CCTV footage had helped the police with several matters, including a serious assault and a burglary over the New Year period.
The burglary, at a Castle St flat, took place on December 31.
A police spokesman said some items were taken and two people were arrested ‘‘a short time later’’ close to the address.
‘‘A 21yearold and a 24yearold male have both appeared in court charged with burglary. A 16yearold male is being dealt with under Youth Aid.’’
Campus Watch was still active in the area and was carrying out free flatsecurity checks for all registered student flats over the holidays.
There were no concerns at present about high school pupils causing problems, which was ‘‘more an issue when university students were present’’, Mr Scott said.
Twentysix more CCTV cameras were added to public streets after the Easter break last year.
Despite the Otago University Students’ Association saying some students were uncomfortable with the added surveillance, the university stood by its decision to install the extra cameras, saying extensive consultation took place in 2017.