THE City of Cockburn wants to place surveillance cameras on private properties and in more discreet locations as it pushes to expand its vast network of CCTV.
The City’s CCTV policy is currently under review as it seeks to make adjustments to keep up with the network, one of the biggest in Perth with about 500 cameras at various facilities and open spaces.
Proposed changes include the ability to negotiate the use of private land for CCTV infrastructure and implementation of covert cameras that do not require signage.
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READ NOWRangers and community safety manager Michael Emery said some building owners, especially within Cockburn Central, had already struck agreements.
“Having our equipment co-located on these buildings provides cost savings for installation and allows our network to be interconnected by wireless repeaters,” he said.
He did not envision the rollout extending to residential properties.
While signage alerting people to the presence of cameras can act as a deterrent to crime, Mr Emery said covert surveillance in illegal dumping and trail bike hot spots could be a more effective option to catch criminals in the act.
“In some very limited circumstances, where covert cameras are placed in isolated areas such as conservation reserves to monitor illegal dumping and trail bike access, the unwanted attention of cameras can often result in theft or vandalism of the covert cameras,” he said.
A survey of Cockburn residents in April found 84 per cent supported an ongoing rollout of CCTV.