Liberals to expand CCTV in Cranbourne

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Liberal candidate for Cranbourne Ann-Marie Hermans at Lynbrook train station. 186329_01.Picture: BRENDAN REES

The Liberal Nationals have pledged provide $250,000 towards extending the current CCTV security camera network in Cranbourne and Lynbrook if elected to Government in November.

It comes as earlier this month, the residential area of Lynbrook was the scene of 100 youths hiding in the park after terrorising commuters on a late night train. Residents spoke of their fear and reporting hearing yelling and screaming in the area.

New CCTV cameras and lighting will be installed in and around the Banjo Paterson Park to improve public safety and help police identify people in the park at night.

CCTV cameras will be also installed in the Cranbourne shopping strip activity area and the precincts around local train stations and carparks including Lynbrook, Merinda Park and Cranbourne train station.

CCTV programs have been widely successful in improving residents’ feelings of safety and security as well as assisting Victoria Police in responding to crime.

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy said crime was “out of control” with frontline police numbers falling under Daniel Andrews.

He said having an extensive CCTV network around Cranbourne will act has a deterrent for would be criminals and assist police in catching criminals when they do offend.

“Violent crime and youth gangs are out of control under Daniel Andrews and communities like Cranbourne are paying the price,” Mr Guy said.

The announcement is also backed by a vow by the Liberal Nationals to build a new police station at Clyde North.

Liberal Candidate for Cranbourne, Ann Marie Hermans said the Liberals were committed to delivering a “tough on crime and community safety” polices to keep residents in Cranbourne safe.

Minister for Police Lisa Neville said the State Government had provided more than $1.4 million for projects to tackle youth crime and improve lighting and amenity in the City of Casey as a part of the Government’s public safety grants

“The Liberals cut ongoing funding for the crime prevention program, didn’t fund one extra police officer and cut frontline Victoria Police staff when they were in government – and they’ll do it again if they get the chance,” she said.

“There are an additional 96 new police allocated to the Dandenong Division which services Cranbourne area, which is already making a difference with crime down 17.4 per cent in Casey.

Ms Neville said a $2 billion investment was delivering an extra 3,135 officers across the state and ensuring police have the resources, equipment and technology they need to keep Victorians safe.

Lynbrook Residents Association president Jason Wood said the association had been advocating for extra security and lighting at Banjo Paterson Park for several years: “Any efforts towards this goal would be appreciated. The park is a wonderful family venue, but gets very dark at night.”