City keeping its eye on crime

THE City of Greater Geelong council will upgrade about 40 security cameras across the city to crack down on crime hotspots.

The city is boosting part of its camera network as part of a deal with vendor Axis Communications.

The deal will result in cameras upgraded to Axis’ PTZ products, which can provide wide-area coverage and also automatically zoom in to detected security events.

City of Greater Geelong city planning and economy director Gareth Smith said the upgrade would roll out to inner-city locations to keep a closer eye on busy street corners.

“Permanent and mobile Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance cameras are used at key locations across the municipality where anti-social and criminal activity may occur,” Mr Smith said.

“The city’s network includes 100 CCTV cameras, of which approximately 40 cameras are scheduled to be upgraded to improve their connectivity, capability and quality.

“Cameras have already been upgraded at locations including the corner of Ryrie and James St, the corner of Yarra Street and Little Malop Street, and the corner of Moorabool and Corio Street.”

Geelong business Barracom is carrying out the upgrade of Geelong’s network.

Earlier this month, the city also announced it was targeting illegal dumping of rubbish across the city, including at opportunity shops.

CCTV cameras and city patrols found six infringements at North Geelong’s Salvation Army op shop, resulting in fines totalling $2,178.