Bayside residents and businesses are benefiting from a practical package of community safety measures, with Council investing $400,000 through its 2025-26 Budget to support prevention, education and stronger local partnerships.
The initiatives include two mobile CCTV cameras and trailers as well as planning for fixed CCTV in police-identified hot spots. Other actions include new home and business safety resources, support information for victims of crime and free tamper-proof number plate screws.
Council has purchased two high-quality mobile CCTV cameras and trailers that provide 360-degree surveillance and include vehicle licence plate recognition. The cameras will be rotated through Bayside hot spot areas and at major events.
Work is also underway to establish fixed CCTV in shopping precincts, starting with a pilot in Church Street and followed by Hampton Street, which Victoria Police have identified as hot spots. Council is working with Safer Cities and Victoria Police to establish the required network arrangements and memorandum of understanding.
In addition, Council has funded Neighbourhood Watch Bayside to produce its quarterly newsletter, safety education sessions, a practical Bayside Community Safety Guide for residents and businesses, and a guide to support services for victims of crime and others impacted by crime. The guides are expected to be launched in September 2026.
Tamper-proof number plate screws are also available free of charge from Council's Corporate Centre in Sandringham to help residents reduce the risk of number plate theft.
While Victoria Police remain responsible for responding to criminal activity, Council plays an important role in supporting safer communities by working with police, other levels of government, local agencies and community groups on prevention, education and advocacy.
Council will continue to advocate to the Victorian Government for strengthening bail laws, increased police resources in Bayside and funding to support local safety initiatives.
