By ANEEKA SIMONIS
POLICE monitored CCTV cameras may soon be installed in Pakenham’s most dangerous crime hangout in a push to flush out violent criminals.
Bourke Park in Pakenham is increasingly becoming dangerous for residents including older people and children who are exposed to daytime violence, drug deals and alcohol abuse.
Most recently many residents were shocked to hear of a man who was allegedly beating by a gang of teen thugs who are reported to have hit their adult victim with their skateboards and scooters while he was on the ground.
An anonymous witness likened the teen offenders as “a pack of wild dogs” as they set on the man despite police intervention on 19 January.
The incident follows another incident late last year when a 14-year-old girl was charged with allegedly punching an 18-year-old victim in the face.
The latest incident struck a chord with Cardinia shire councillor Kate Lempriere who has made a public plea in the News letters page for the State Government to fund CCTV cameras in the park to save the town she has described as being “overrun by gangs of anti-social youths of varying nationalities”.
“Council requires State Government assistance to deliver and deliver quickly,” she said.
“School commences this week and our children need to feel safe and their parents need to know they are.
“For goodness sake, we are talking about the rail entrance to our town, to Pakenham, to our jobs, our businesses.
“I do not want some innocent child, youth, senior citizen killed or permanently disabled.
“As a councillor elected by Central Ward ratepayers I demand action now. These violent young offenders and others need to be got rid of permanently.”
The News asked the State Government, which contributed $250,000 in joint funding to improve the safety of the park in 2014, if it would fund CCTV surveillance cameras at the site.
A spokesperson said the proposal would be considered if a formal grant application was lodged.
“Cardinia Shire Council did not apply for CCTV at Bourke Park under the latest round of the grants but government will continue working with council, police and the local community to further improve community safety in the area,” the spokesperson said.
Cr Lempriere anticipates putting forward a council motion for state funds in the coming weeks.
Police confirmed recent discussion have been held with the council about CCTV being installed at the park.
Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley flagged Main Street in Pakenham as another area that may come under police surveillance.
He envisions the cameras will feed live footage back to officers at Pakenham Police Station who will be able to communicate with the victim or perpetrators at the scene in real time.
“Police would be able to let the victim know they are on their way,” he explained, further highlighting benefits that CCTV footage would have on identifying and prosecuting offenders.
Anyone who witnesses illegal behaviour at Bourke Park, Pakenham, or anywhere else in Cardinia shire is urged to report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For Cr Lempriere’s full plea for state funded CCTV, turn to page 6.
