Shire discusses CCTV sites

Closed circuit television cameras will be installed at two locations in Tom Price and five possible locations in Karratha to crack down on vandalism, graffiti and antisocial behaviour.

The Pilbara News last week reported the Shire of Ashburton had allocated funds in its upcoming budget for a “limited number” of CCTV cameras in “targeted hotspots”.

A spokesman for the Shire of Ashburton confirmed late last week cameras would be installed in the Tom Price town centre and at the town’s softball diamond.

The decision follows a question put to the council by Sarah Kemp on behalf of the Tom Price Tidy Towns Committee.

The question outlined concerns relating to “recent theft and vandalism incidents that have occurred in the town centre”.

In a written response published in the Shire minutes, the council outlined that local police would be consulted in selecting the location of the cameras.

The Shire of Roebourne also identified several locations for CCTV cameras at their April 2012 council meeting.

The preferred contractor has not been engaged and the exact locations are still to be confirmed although five hotspots have been identified.

With the help of Karratha police the Shire identified five locations for the first phase of the project; on the corner of Tambrey Road and Bathgate Road at the Caltex Service Station, Warambie Road at Evolution Night Club, the corner of Balmoral Road and Warambie Road at the BP Service Station, Bond Place at the Karratha Tavern and Tambrey Drive at the Tambrey Function Centre.

According to the Shire, these sites were selected based upon personal safety issues, crime statistics and evidentiary value to police.

About $244,000 has been allocated towards the project from the Royalties for Regions fund.

The city centre, near Sharpe Avenue will not be included in the first stage because of the current redevelopment of the town centre.