Newmarket switches on more CCTV

Newmarket switches on more CCTV cameras following project’s success

The Newmarket Business Association has just expanded its network of CCTV security cameras through central Newmarket, following the well publicised success of its first round of cameras installed last year.

The country’s leading retail district now has 19 state-of-the-art wireless security cameras watching over its streets 24/7. All the CCTV footage is stored for 31 days, with personnel monitoring the cameras from the Newmarket Police Station at dedicated times.

“While many other areas are throwing up their hands in despair about crime, Newmarket’s no nonsense, zero tolerance approach is working. We encourage other towns and cities around New Zealand to look at our CCTV model if they are serious about reducing crime. We’ve invested in another five high-tech cameras simply because the project is delivering the community real results,” says chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer.

“Good on the business community for putting up more cameras. Newmarket’s CCTV system has proven to be a great tool in helping prevent crime, detect offenders and gather evidence,” says Newmarket’s officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Wendy Spiller.

“Without doubt CCTV has had a positive impact on the level of crime in central Newmarket. The cameras have seemingly lifted the perception of personal safety around the place. Despite these tough economic times, Newmarket has been able to successfully maintain a safe and secure environment,” says Ms Spiller.

Mr Brewer said official police statistics released mid-year showed the installation of CCTV cameras had helped reduce high volume crime in Newmarket such as theft from people, cars, and shops.

“The Newmarket Police Station is celebrating its centennial year and its commitment to the community remains invaluable,” says Cameron Brewer.
He says the installation of more CCTV cameras is a key component of Newmarket’s overall security strategy which includes zero tolerance graffiti eradication, an alcohol accord between licensees, and a daytime on-foot street security patrol.

“Newmarket businesses have been open to funding more CCTV cameras simply because they’re getting results. This project is proving the CCTV cynics wrong and shows business communities can make a difference when it comes to fighting crime.”

Mr Brewer encourages individual businesses or organisations considering CCTV to consult the Privacy Commissioner’s new guidelines on CCTV released last week by Commissioner Marie Shroff. The guidelines can be viewed on www.privacy.org.nz
Newmarket’s wireless CCTV camera network is the largest one operating in any town centre in New Zealand. What’s more, its unique public-private partnership model is also a New Zealand first.

The project involves the business community funding the cameras and the monitoring personnel, local police housing the monitoring room, private building’ owners accommodating the cameras, Advanced Security Group Limited installing and maintaining the equipment, Kordia providing the wireless network, with Newmarket Security guards on the street in constant radio contact with the monitoring room.

ENDS

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