PLANS to install CCTV through the main streets of Daylesford and Creswick have fallen flat due to a failed attempt by Hepburn Shire Council to secure funding.
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Daylesford Police Station Commander Barry Hills said he had received superintendent approval for the bid in late 2015, and lodged the report with the council.
However, council has confirmed an application to the Victorian State Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund was unsuccessful.
A council spokeswoman said the project was a “multi-pronged approach to improving safety and decreasing crime” with improved lighting and the installation of CCTV in both towns.
She said as the funding bid was unsuccessful, council would now work with local police and the Department of Justice to see if the project could still be executed some other way.
Vincent Street Muffins and More owner Ann-maree Mackley said she had been the victim of three thefts in a matter of months during 2015, and was “annoyed” to hear there were hold-ups.
Ms Mackley said considering she and other business owners in Vincent Street paid “ridiculous rates”, the council should be well-equipped to fund the CCTV installation themselves without needing external funding.
“Around the area it would show people going through the streets and the town late at night,” she said.
“It’s not just us business owners. It’s the future now. If someone has an accident and there’s a car involved, they can check the footage. It’s security all-round.”
In August last year, The Advocate reported then-mayor Kate Redwood had been inundated with calls from business owners along Vincent Street following a series of break-and-enters within a short time period.
Ms Mackley said she was concerned now Cr Redwood was no longer mayor, the issue would grind to a standstill.
“It would be nice if we knew the cost, I’m sure it’s not that much for good security to have in the town,” she said.
“If people know it’s there, it’s an insurance against theft.”
Last year, Ms Mackley said some business owners had been so concerned they considered pooling together to pay for a private security car.
Calls to install CCTV in Daylesford have been active at least as far back as 2007, with then Daylesford Police Senior Constable Simon Barker claimed surveillance would help people stick to a “standard of behaviour” and act as a powerful deterrence.
In August last year, Sergeant Hills stated CCTV would have a deterring effect on would-be criminals.
