Spotlight on crime haunts

By Callan Date
BIG BROTHER may soon be casting a watching eye over shady spots in the City of Casey.
The upgraded security surveillance measures will be on the agenda when a new taskforce is established to investigate public safety in Casey.
Increased lighting will also be at the forefront of discussions with the group set to investigate the illumination of shopping centre car parks, train stations, alleyways and several other public spaces.
The taskforce will include councillors, interested community members and representatives of other relevant authorities.
Endeavour Hills resident Tricia Clarke is leading the push for the increased safety.
Ms Clarke, who teaches safety and self-defence courses, said she wanted to help people feel safer in the community.
“A lot of my clients have come to me and said I’ve got this really dark alley way and I’m always worried about having to walk through there,” Ms Clarke said.
“Attacks in Casey are increasing and it is about protecting, not just women, but boys and young children.”
She said one aim of the task force would be to establish a hotline that the public could ring and report areas that needed to be lit up.
“Once there are enough calls for one area, then that area is investigated. The council then knows through the community where the trouble spots are.
“A couple of years ago I worked with council to get flood lighting outside the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre and library.
“Now I’m hoping that the City of Casey will take this on.”
Solar lighting will be closely looked at, according to Ms Clarke, in order to minimise the environmental impact.
Ms Clarke has also spruiked the benefits of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in areas prone to violence and attacks.
Casey Council operates CCTV cameras at several key council facilities throughout the municipality including the Civic Centre in Narre Warren.
Casey’s director of community services Jennie Lee said the city was all for improved safety measures.
“Casey remains committed to the use of CCTV and is currently working in partnership with Victoria Police on an initiative to use CCTV to deter and identify vandals at a number of locations in the municipality,” she said.
“Casey supports the use of CCTV as part of an integrated package of measures to help promote community safety and reduce criminal activity in the municipality,” Ms Lee said.