Cctv Installation Begins

Work has begun on the installation of a crime prevention camera system in the Lower Hutt CBD. The system will be operational towards the end of April.

In the first phase of the installation, five cameras are being installed, three in the Bunny Street Transportation Centre and two in lower High Street. The installation is being funded by the Hutt City Council at a cost of $237,000 and will be operated by the Lower Hutt Police.

"Research undertaken recently to prioritise community outcomes as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan, found that residents wanted to live in a safe and secure environment," said Hutt City Mayor John Terris.

"There have certainly been some problems in particular areas of the CBD and these cameras will at least ensure that anyone committing crime in the areas covered by CCTV stands a very good chance of being caught," said Mayor Terris.

This is a joint initiative between the Hutt City Council, Lower Hutt Police, CBD+, and SCAN (Safer Communities Action Network).

"It's important to remember that the CCTV project is just one of a number of initiatives funded by Council to help make people feel safer when out and about in the city, but it is definitely one of the more high profile activities.

Other city safety initiatives implemented by Council include negotiating to have a Police kiosk in the Centre City Plaza, implementing liquor bans in the CBD and providing funding of $30,000 for the Street Smart project in the CBD. Many of the landscaping modifications recommended in a safety audit undertaken by SCAN (such as footpath repair) have been implemented and the establishment of the Phonic Youth Centre in the CBD has also given the city's youth a place to meet and socialise in safety.

"Taken together, these initiatives represent a significant investment in creating a safer city environment."

Signage informing the public of the presence of the crime prevention cameras will be installed before the system is made operational.

Council's contractor, Construction Contracts Ltd, are trialling the use of new, innovative trenching technology using an Italian designed trenching machine which excavates, lays cable ducts and backfills the trench with aerated concrete all in one continuous operation.

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