Further funding for CCTV cameras to be considered

BALCLUTHA can expect increased police surveillance if a council proposal is approved today.

As part of its main street upgrade project in 2016, the Clutha District Council installed 16 CCTV cameras in the town’s business district, at a total cost of $80,000.

A proposal tabled for this afternoon’s council meeting will ask councillors whether to approve a further spend of up to $20,000 from the project’s residual budget, for the installation of four more cameras.

Acting CluthaTaieri area response manager Senior Sergeant Stan Leishman said Balclutha police would work with the council to place the cameras.

‘‘Originally, we had wanted to relocate some of the existing cameras. However, that proved impractical, so we’re delighted the council is considering investing in further cameras to cover known coverage black spots.’’

Snr Sgt Leishman said the new cameras were likely to be placed overlooking the Balclutha bridge, and at the major intersection of Clyde and Renfrew Sts.

‘‘At the moment we can’t see what’s actually happening on the bridge and, as it’s a natural bottleneck for traffic passing through the town, that’s a significant gap in existing coverage.’’

In common with the previous cameras, the additions would not be monitored ‘‘24/7’’, he said.

However, both Balclutha and Dunedin officers could view live and recorded footage as required.

‘‘They’re a useful crime prevention tool, and have been

instrumental in several prosecutions since 2016, including a serious street assault and other incidents.’’

He said those concerned about privacy should feel confident police were using them only to deter and apprehend criminals.

‘‘We’re not using facial or numberplate recognition software with these cameras. They simply allow the lawabiding public to go about their business unharassed.’’