Joint Media Release
15 March 2002

Street Cameras Make A Difference

The evaluation of the Manukau City Council trial of monitored street cameras at Hunter’s Corner, Papatoetoe confirms cameras do make a difference.

The evaluation report presented to the Environmental Management Committee shows that the closed circuit TV camera surveillance indicates that the presence of cameras, combined with police and community interventions have had a positive impact in the area. Overall results indicate reduction in prostitution activity, behavioral issues, disorder and drunkenness during the trial.

However, Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says that the cameras are just one component of a larger effort to improve community safety.

“They will not by themselves fix the problems associated with prostitution in the area. A wide range of other activities also need to be put in place to address the problems.
For example, Council improved its co-ordination of roading, lighting, cleaning and traffic services to the Hunter's Corner area. We also closed public car parks at night and extended litter collections contracts to include key carpark areas.

“The local councillors, Noel Burnside, Ian McGechie, Bob Wichman, and I are extremely pleased that there is a decreasing trend in prostitution and the associated criminal behaviour in the area,” Sir Barry says.

A key partner in the trial is the Counties Manukau Police. Area Controller for Otahuhu and Papatoetoe, Bill Searle says that the police are pleased to be associated with the project and are supportive of initiatives aimed at reducing levels of crime in our community.

“They’ve helped with several criminal investigations in the area, and assisted in the planning of intelligence based operations. We look forward to working with Council, local communities and business people in further community safety initiatives around the city,” he says.

Further actions agreed on by the Committee include the further consideration of an ambassador to patrol the Hunter’s Corner area and investigations into the possible use of parking bylaws to create no stopping zones to further deter clients.

ENDS

A full copy of the trial evaluation report is available on request.

Background
Council has run a twelve-month trial of closed circuit television with the aim of reducing public disorder in the Hunters Corner (Papatoetoe) area. Statistics show that the number of incidents such as prostitution, glue sniffing, disorderly behaviour and offensive behaviour are reducing.

Soliciting at Hunter’s Corner has been a long standing issue causing noise and offensive behaviour problems for local residents and businesses.

Surveillance monitoring company Swiftlink, monitors the camera and liaises directly with the Police when public disorder incidents occur.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison Support Officer
Ph: 09 2628900 x 8650
Fax: 09 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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