Newmarket launches state-of-the-art CCTV network

Newmarket Business Association

Media release

16 June 2008

Newmarket launches state-of-the-art CCTV network

A state-of-the-art CCTV security camera network is now in full operation in Auckland’s leading retail precinct in what is being described as a New Zealand first.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks has officially launched the project in Newmarket which has been solely driven and funded by the local business community.

High-resolution images from 14 digital ‘pan, tilt and zoom’ cameras mounted on commercial buildings throughout central Newmarket are being transmitted via wireless technology to a dedicated monitoring room inside the Newmarket Police Station.

Newmarket Business Association general manager Cameron Brewer says the CCTV camera network will be used very actively.

“We will be able to act on anything undesirable almost immediately. The monitoring personnel can focus and zoom the cameras on any problem area from within the police station, while simultaneously talking to a security patrol out on the streets. Images from the cameras are recorded and stored 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are immediately available to the police.

“It’s a truly unique public-private partnership that has never been done on this scale and with this level of technology ever before in a New Zealand town centre,” says Mr Brewer.

The Newmarket Business Association has led and is funding the project which has brought together the Newmarket Police, camera system owner and manager Advanced Security Group Ltd, telecommunications network provider Kordia, monitoring personnel based in the police station, and Newmarket Security, a privately owned security company that is providing a street patrol service.

Officer in charge of Newmarket Police, Senior Sergeant Wendy Spiller says everyone involved in this huge collaboration has the same objectives.

“CCTV can be a great tool to help prevent crime and to help detect offenders or evidence after crime has been committed,” says Ms Spiller.

Newmarket Business Association board chairman John Slater says “this project not only enhances security over property but also greatly improves security for the people in and around Newmarket - shoppers, visitors and staff of the businesses operating in Newmarket.”

Advanced Security is a leading New Zealand security integrator operating in the government department and corporate sectors.

“We are really excited about this project, and the picture resolution is incredible. The Newmarket project is a great model,” says Mike Marr, Group Manager of Advanced Security. “Other New Zealand town centres are having a close look at how this has all been pulled together.”

Local security company, Newmarket Security, is also thrilled to be part of the project.

“We now have a fully integrated and proactive security strategy for Newmarket. Our street patrol will be playing a very proactive role in this project. As well as responding to call outs from the monitoring room, we will hunt out potential problems for the cameras to capture as well,” says Managing Director of Newmarket Security, Alan Young.

The Newmarket Business Association says it has had overwhelming support from its members for the installation of a CCTV camera network.

“CCTV has been in the news a lot lately and we firmly believe having a 24/7 camera network throughout Newmarket will prove invaluable. As technology improves CCTV is becoming more affordable and the footage is getting clearer. If Newmarket can provide such a great community asset, other areas could too,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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