By Bonny Burrows
Security footage of Pakenham’s Bourke Park is now streaming directly to police.
After a long wait and much advocacy by police and community members, CCTV surveillance cameras are now live at the local crime hotspot.
Installation of the blanket-coverage surveillance began in June as part of a project aimed at deterring crime and increasing a public sense of safety.
For years the park, located along Station Street and Railway Avenue, Pakenham, had been focus of many community and police concerns due to its “high degree of anti-social and criminal behaviour” such as drug and alcohol use, vandalism and assault at the site and the nearby Pakenham train station.
The council responded to these concerns in 2014 with a “rejuvenation project” featuring infrastructure and safety improvements including the installation of two playgrounds, barbecues, picnic settings and improved lighting, but security cameras were not part of the plan.
However, a 2016 feasibility study determined that due to a lack of “natural surveillance” cameras were still needed.
In December, further upgrades were funded by the State Government including the installation of CCTV surveillance, along with an additional 13 lights and landscaping and maintenance works.
Cardinia Shire Council’s team leader of safe and inclusive communities David Lane said the activation of the CCTV system formed part of an “integrated response to crime and safety within this Victoria Police designated high-risk community location”.
Footage taken from the cameras is sent directly to the Pakenham Police Station for monitoring.
“The cameras are one integral component to a suite of crime prevention activities including space activation, infrastructure and amenity improvement and consistent park maintenance works including regular graffiti removal,” Mr Lane said.
“With the community’s support and in partnership with the Victorian Government and Victoria Police, we intend to create a desirable destination for the community at this location.
“Through this project, we aim to improve public safety perceptions within Bourke Park and to address anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, and graffiti, vandalism or destruction of council and public property,” he said.
