By JOLENE OGLE
LOCALS and visitors can feel a little safer heading out at night after three new security cameras were installed on Hastings Street last week.
Police Inspector for the Northern Patrol Jon Lewis said the new cameras were installed to “fill” previous blind spots of other cameras on the street.
“The bulk of the taxi rank, the main area in front (of the Police Beat building) and the pathway along Rococo’s are now covered,” he said. “They give a good and more complete coverage of areas.”
Inspector Lewis said the three cameras were installed on the Police Beat due to the building’s location.
“The reality is, the Police Beat has been located in a high traffic area and we have the taxi rank nearby and a number of late-night licence premises in the area,” he said.
Noosa Councillor Joe Jurisevic said the proposal for the cameras was put forward by the Hasting Street Association to improve the security in the area.
“It’s not that we have a larger number of incidents here (Hastings Street), but it creates a deterrent and gives police that opportunity to deal with those (who offend),” he said.
“It’s an added sense of security. With violence on the increase across areas, people are more aware and are taking that extra bit of protection. I think if we can add that extra piece of protection for the tourists that come to the area, they’ll feel safe.”
The cameras are part of an ongoing partnership between the police and Noosa Council with Noosa Heads Police Beat Officer-in-Charge Senior Constable Pierre Senekal working to ensure the famous tourist strip is well covered.
Inspector Lewis said the installation of the cameras wasn’t sparked by a particular incident, but is part of an evolving process between the police and the council in working to identify areas of security that can be improved.
“The cameras serve a couple of purposes including having a deterrent effect,” Inspector Lewis said.
“We like to think if people know cameras are around then potential offenders are less likely to (offend). But, the reality is, at 3 o’clock in the morning and someone is under the influence or other intoxicating drugs, they may not be considering if there are cameras in the area.
“So, in that event, we use cameras to assist us in identifying offenders, as well as locating and prosecuting them.
“And, overall, they’re designed to improve the overall feeling of security for the members of the community, our locals as well as our tourists in the area, who will feel safe knowing there is the camera aspect.”
Inspector Lewis said more cameras may be possible along Hastings Street if more blind spots were identified.
