Kempsey Shire Council is extending its Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) network to enhance community safety and reduce the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Following the success of the Macleay Valley CCTV Project in Kempsey CBD, South West Rocks and Crescent Head, Council is installing a further 27 cameras in West Kempsey and South Kempsey by the end of August 2019.
Council's Coordinator Governance and Information, Melanie Peterson, said the new cameras can live-stream video footage to Kempsey Police Station, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"In partnership with NSW Police, the expansion of the CCTV network will help us to target high-risk community locations," Ms Peterson said.
"We now have 88 surveillance cameras installed at key retail centres across the Macleay Valley to deter crime and improve community safety."
The project is funded under the NSW Government's Safer Communities Fund and includes three mobile camera units for use at crime hot spots, events and festivals.
"The new cameras are located in the West Kempsey shopping district, Edinburgh Lane car park, South Kempsey Park and strip of shops," Ms Peterson said.
"The expanded network now connects all of Kempsey's main shopping areas with CCTV and we hope this will encourage locals and visitors to visit these areas with confidence day or night."
Council will continue to work with Kempsey Police to identify other areas for extension of the CCTV network.
Inspector Stuart Campbell from Kempsey Police said CCTV could successfully be used with other crime prevention strategies to improve community safety.
"Kempsey Police will continue to use the CCTV network as a preventive tool, including utilising footage from the tools to investigate crimes," he said.
