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67% of Australian residents support community surveillance

Announcement posted by ADT Security 12 Jul 2012

Two thirds (67%) of Australian residents feel that security cameras are an effective crime deterrent in the community. This is according to the ADT Security Secure Homes report which surveyed 2000 homeowners and renters in both metropolitan and regional Australia.


Of those surveyed, 23% believe that crime is a problem in their local area with 30% reporting that they had been the victim of a break-in.


Michael Bates, National Sales Manager, Residential and Small Business, with ADT Security said: “Crime remains a major concern for Australian residents who want to make sure every measure possible is taken to increase their safety. Community and public surveillance has received much attention recently with critics debating whether public video surveillance is an imposition on privacy. However, our research shows that most residents are in favour of community surveillance with many citing they would like local councils to increase security in public areas such as parks, shopping areas and other community facilities.”


Studies[1] suggest that public places (streets and footpaths) are the most common places for robberies and kidnappings and most motor vehicle thefts occur in public areas.


In recent years, law enforcement agencies in the US and many European countries have been turning to CCTV surveillance to enhance public security. It is also an emerging tool for law enforcement and security agencies in Australia.


“In providing a safe community for citizens and protecting public assets, government decision-makers at both national and local levels are regularly faced with a broad range of challenges such as theft, vandalism, violent crimes and drug use,“ said Bates.


“Video surveillance technologies can assist governments and local councils in providing safe, accessible public places for communities to enjoy. CCTV can make people feel safer and help to prevent and discourage crime, thus increasing public confidence. It can also help reduce antisocial behaviour and prosecute those caught in criminal acts.”


“It is often at night that people feel wary and watchful in public areas such as parks and quiet suburbs. In addition to installing CCTV surveillance, providing adequate lighting in public spaces and routes, particularly those used at night, can help improve safety and increase usage.”


Many homeowners looking to enhance security are opting for advanced solutions such as monitored home alarms, intercom and keypad entries. There is also a growing interest in video surveillance for the home. “Video surveillance provides a high level of security and acts as an important visual deterrent in its own right to both intruders and trespassers,” said Bates.


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[1] http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/facts/1-20/2010/1_recorded_crime.aspx