The switch has been flicked and CCTV cameras are now operational in St Albans.
The cameras, switched on last week, are located in St Albans Road, Main Road West, West Esplanade, Princess Street, Main Road East and Alfrieda Street.
It is the first time public CCTV has been installed in the town centre other than outside the St Albans station. Brimbank mayor Margaret Giudice said the cameras are an important step in revitalising St Albans.
“St Albans is one of Brimbank’s vibrant and multicultural centres of which we’re very proud and council is working to enhance the town centre, its amenities and ambience,” she said.
“Improving safety perceptions in the area is an important focus for both council and the community, and we’re working to do this in partnership with Victoria Police, the St Albans Business Association, local businesses and other key stakeholders.”
Footage from the cameras will stream live into Keilor Downs Police station and is expected to help police address crime in the town centre.
Victoria Police Brimbank local area commander Dallas Normington said the cameras will be a vital tool in helping police tackle crime.
“Understandably, the installation of these cameras is a significant addition to the tools used by Victoria Police and will be invaluable in our goal of detecting and preventing crime,” he said.
“We understand the expectation of the community to utilise all available resources to perform our role and the implementation of this system provides a fresh approach to not only compliment our existing investigation processes, but also support residents and visitors to feel safe.”
The project was funded by a $250,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Department of Justice, while Brimbank council also committed about $67,000 for the project.
The cameras are owned and maintained by the council, but Victoria Police is responsible for the footage.
