CCTV boost for town hotspots

Broome will benefit from $5 million in State Government funding to install closed circuit television cameras in crime hotspots.

The new cameras will also form part of a community safety plan being developed by the Shire of Broome which it hopes will act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

The strategy aims to give police greater powers to prosecute offenders over incidents in Chinatown, Town Beach, Anne Street and Dora Street.

Shire of Broome acting director community development Suzie Haslehurst said it was hoped the funding would have significant positive outcomes for the zones highlighted by “the Shire, Broome police and the community as the areas of highest need”.

“The effects of crime and anti-social behaviour are felt widely in our community and the Shire of Broome is pleased an application for funding to install CCTV cameras has been successful,” she said.

“It’s also hoped CCTV will contribute to reducing the cost to the community resulting from anti-social behaviour, including cleaning and maintenance carried out by the Shire, and the cost to police of providing law enforcement.”

Other areas that successfully bid for CCTV funds included Carnarvon, Derby-West Kimberley, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Port Hedland, Laverton, Leonora and City of Kalgoorlie.