Brisbane City Council has installed CCTV cameras in Forest Lake following a crime spree that saw 10 local businesses hit by thieves and vandals in a single night last month.
The four new CitySafe CCTV safety cameras have been installed near the Forest Lake bus stop area as part of the Council’s Suburban Safety Cameras program.
In late August, Forest Lake locals reported smashed windows and raided stock across three local shopping precincts, which followed two armed robberies at a local 7-Eleven and massage parlour on August 10 and 13.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the new cameras will provide 24/7 surveillance to increase safety and deter anti-social behaviour with the site chosen in consultation with the Queensland Police Service.
“While crime is a State Government issue, the installation of new safety cameras is one way our Council can help deter and catch these criminals.
“Reports of suburban crime sprees are incredible concerning and I want residents to know we won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour.
“These criminals will be caught and we’re doing everything we can to help authorities catch them sooner.
“I will always stand up for Brisbane against crime and we’re doing what we can to keep our community safe by installing more CCTV cameras, more lighting and awarding safety grants to community clubs.”
The cameras are fitted with the latest high-tech software and feed directly into Council’s 24/7 security room, where officers can respond to each incident accordingly.
In July, cameras were installed in Mt Coot-tha in response to a spate of concerning incident along popular walking trails.
The Suburban Safety Cameras program will see a further 26 mobile cameras deployed to each ward as well as a progressive rollout of additional fixed cameras at the following eight locations:
- Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve
- Luxworth Place, Moorooka
- Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, Boondall
- Minnippi Parkland, Murarrie
- People’s Park/West End Community Park
- Frew Park Milton
- Caxton Street, Milton
- Musgrave Park, West End
The next round of cameras are expected to be installed at Tinchi Tamba Wetlands in Boondall and Minnippi Parklands in Murrarie.
“CCTV has proven to be a crucial investigative tool for the Queensland Police Service (QPS), as it provides invaluable evidence for officers looking to identify potential offenders and ultimately solve serious crimes,” said Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent, Mark Thompson.
“It also acts as a deterrent to would-be offenders who might wrongly think they can get away with breaking the law.
“It is great to see extra security measures being implemented in the Forest Lake area, and further afield, as this will only support and enhance our goal to better protect the community and keep them safe.”
The Council is investing $1.85 million to enhance and grow the CCTV network this financial year. Along with the mobile and fixed cameras, Council operates an extensive network of CitySafe cameras in the Queen Street Mall, Council car parks, libraries, ferry terminals and some parks. The new cameras will add to the city’s existing network of more than 3,750 safety cameras.
