Susanna Freymark
Will CCTV cameras reduce crime in Evans Head?
Evans Head Rotary Club president David Parker said there have been concerns about crime and community safety in Evans Head.
In response to rising crime, the Rotary Club called for a meeting held at the Evans Head MPS. The meeting included Rotary members, Richmond Valley Council representatives including the deputy mayor Steve Morrissey, Richmond Police District officers and State MP Richie Williamson.
It was not an open community meeting. Mr Parker said, the police will decide if and when there is a community meeting.
There has been a lot of incidents and crime around Evans Head such as builders having tools stolen, Mr Parker said.
We need cameras.
David Parker
Mr Parker said the installation of two CCTV cameras would cost between $170,000–$200,000.
“Police gave us stats that show an increase in crime in Evans Head,” he said.
Police also had information that showed a drop in crime since five CCTV cameras were installed at Coraki in July.
Richmond Valley Council has advised that it is planning for the installation of CCTV cameras in Evans Head and is seeking State Government funding for the proposed CCTV infrastructure.
Mr Parker said the council budget was for two cameras.
He’d like to see the Rotary Club fund another two cameras, with one positioned at the entrance to Airforce Beach.
To further increase community safety, police said that the Evans Head Police Station would return to its full staffing complement of two police officers by the end of October.
Police also said extra patrols in Evans Head will increase police visibility.
At the meeting, it was agreed that another meeting would be held in December involving the Evans Head Rotary Club and others.