KEILOR Village traders say they are working in fear following an escalation of crime.
They are calling for closed-circuit television cameras to be installed in a laneway which has become a hot spot for criminals.
Keilor Traders Association president Virginia Tachos said owners of stores on Old Calder Highway, between Arabin and Kennedy streets, were concerned by the level of criminal activity in the laneway behind the shops.
She said many stores had been broken into and shop workers threatened in the past six months.
“There is a lack of lighting in the laneway, which makes the shops an easy target for criminals,” Ms Tachos said.
“The chemist was broken into two weeks ago and it’s happening nearly every week. There is a need for CCTV cameras and better lighting to deter these criminals.”
Keilor Continental Butchers proprietor Len James said the area was particularly dangerous for those who started work early in the morning.
“The lady who opens the bakehouse starts at 6am and it’s not safe for her to use the back door because the lighting is so poor,” Mr James said.
“I have been broken into three times and been threatened by a criminal with a knife.”
Keilor Downs’ Senior Sergeant Grant Kelly said he was willing to meet with traders about their concerns.
“Things like cameras can help in investigations because they can provide evidence. But we are aware of the costs and logistics involved,” he said.
“It’s not only cameras that will stop the crime, but people need to be prepared to ring police if they see something.”
Council’s general manager of city developlment, Stephen Sully, said a council officer would meet with traders to discuss their concerns.
He said recent reports suggested that CCTV did not deter crime and that it was merely an evidentiary tool if police mounted a legal case.
“CCTV programs have been implemented at significant cost, with systems requiring approximately $300,000 per scheme to implement, in other areas of Victoria.”
Traders in St Albans have repeatedly called for cameras to be installed along the Main Road shopping strip.
