Businesses push for CCTV funding

Griffith police called for an increase in security cameras at a recent meeting with council following a string of thefts from main street stores.

Cameras were installed in the vicinity of the city's pubs five years ago, but council has made no further moves to increase coverage.

Many stores have installed CCTV inside their premises, which played a big role in catching some of the thieves that terrorised businesses during the recent crime wave.

Dick Smith proprietor Ken Mason saw the benefits of his CCTV system firsthand, with several people charged after they were captured on film robbing his store in December.

"It's imperative we have more CCTV in the main street," Mr Mason said.

"It has been proven all over Australia that main street CCTV coverage has worked to catch criminals.

"While it might cost a bit to set up, we should think about what it costs to have people stealing from shops, what it costs police to put on extra staff and what it costs the community to have the criminals out there."

Mr Mason said he had seriously considered installing a camera outside the store to improve security.

Leeton Shire Council has recently introduced a rebate program to encourage local businesses to install CCTV outside their premises.

MDM for Men owner Narelle Duxbury said she would jump on board if Griffith's council introduced the same offer.

"I think it's a good idea to stop all the break-ins," Ms Duxbury said.

"We've had things stolen from the rack in front of the store and I think if people knew they were being filmed it would stop all that."

Griffith Business Chamber has been pushing the barrow for CCTV in the main street for some time and the police interest has sparked the group back into action.

"We saw what happened with the Jill Meagher case in Melbourne and, in Leeton recently, we had a significant arrest of someone who held a person hostage at an ATM because of CCTV," chamber president Paul Pierotti said.

"It seems like it's the same sort of people doing these crimes locally again and again and the community wants something done.

"Council should be looking at state and federal grants to help businesses install CCTV outside their shops.

"Businesses are happy to help because it's in their interests to do so."

Griffith mayor John Dal Broi has said council would consider pursuing funding for a CCTV program if crime increased again.