Hardeep Singh has launched an epetition urging the City of Canning to reimburse residents for installing CCTV systems at their properties.
Camera IconHardeep Singh has launched an epetition urging the City of Canning to reimburse residents for installing CCTV systems at their properties. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Local lobbys council for CCTV program

Carmelle WilkinsonCanning Gazette

QUEENS Park man Hardeep Singh wants improved camera surveillance in Perth neighbourhoods after his best friend was involved in a terrifying home invasion.

In April this year, Aman Sekhon and his wife Gunjan were fast asleep in their Beckenham home when four armed men stormed into their living room at 4am.

Clad in black clothes and masks the men threatened Mr Sekhon and held a gun to his head while his newborn daughter slept in her cot just metres away.

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“It was something we will never forget and my wife still has nightmares,’’ Mr Sekon said.

The men ransacked the family’s home stealing a laptop, jewellery, cash and their BMW.

“No family should have to go through what we did,’’ Mr Sekhon said.

“Thankfully we had CCTV at our home, and this ultimately led to the arrest of one of the offenders.

“But it cost us our new home. We only just built that house, but we couldn’t live there anymore and two weeks after the robbery we moved out.”

In a move to lower crime, Mr Singh is urging his local government to adopt a similar program to the Town of Victoria Park, where residences, businesses and community groups are reimbursed up to $750 to install CCTV at their premises.

“People should feel protected and safe in their homes, and CCTV systems can improve visual surveillance in the area,’’ he said.

He said improved camera surveillance could improve neighbourhood security and can assist police in making arrests.

Canning Mayor Paul Ng said while there were examples where CCTV has proven to reduced specific crimes, it was only one way to reduce overall crime.

“It is important to remember that CCTV is only one element in a broader integrated approach to improving community safety,’’ he said.

“This year, the City has again committed to providing CCTV in and around key community facilities.

“In addition, mobile CCTV units are deployed throughout the City in an effort to detect and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Mr Ng said after the closing date of the e-petition, Mr Singh may request the matter be presented to Council for consideration.