6/5/05
Crime-fighting in Kalgoorlie-Boulder received a major boost today, with the Gallop Government announcing that eight closed circuit cameras and security lighting valued at $82,500 would be installed in the town centres.
Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said the cameras would assist in deterring violence, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the Goldfields city and make the precincts safer after hours.
"Closed circuit cameras are renowned as an effective means of deterring crime and due to their increased sophistication, are assisting police to identify criminals in the act," Mrs Roberts said.
"The recent assaults at the Carlisle train station last month are evidence of how the cameras can be used to identify and arrest alleged offenders.
"The footage was of such high quality that it prompted one alleged offender to give himself up - that is the power of closed circuit cameras."
Five cameras will be placed on Hannan Street in Kalgoorlie and a further three in Boulder's Burt Street. The cameras will be linked to Kalgoorlie's ranger and police stations and recorded footage will be used as evidence for court cases.
The initiative is part of a $94,820 community safety and crime-fighting partnership forged between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the State Government today.
The Minister said the funding would also be used to develop a community safety and crime prevention plan and a range of other crime fighting programs.
"Already this Government has had great success in fighting crime in the Goldfields," she said.
"Our huge Budget investment in our Police Service, introduction of DNA programs and high-profile police operations are delivering significant reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour, illustrating our commitment to improving the quality of services to all Western Australians.
"Crime in the Goldfields to date this financial year, compared with last financial year, is down more than 10 per cent.
"Particularly pleasing in this result is that burglaries in dwellings have decreased by more than 40 per cent, and car theft is down 25 per cent.
"These are fantastic results and I am confident that our partnership with the city and the new security cameras and street lighting will help reduce crime even further.
"Agreements like this demonstrate that State and local governments can work together to address a whole range of community safety and crime issues.
"I congratulate the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder for taking a lead role in addressing serious crimes such as burglary, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the local community."
The Gallop Government has already signed 58 crime prevention partnerships with local government - which is resulting in communities working closer together - to identify causes of local crime and ways to improve community safety.
Mrs Roberts presented three cheques to the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder - $12,320 for the community safety and crime prevention plan, $55,000 for the installation of the surveillance cameras and $27,500 for the installation of lights at the Oasis Clubhouse and car park in Osmetti Drive, Sommerville.
Minister's office: 9213 6600
