Coalition to boost Box Hill security cameras

A Liberal Nationals Coalition government will provide a major boost to safety and security in Box Hill district centre and its surrounds.

 A Coalition government will provide $250,000 for new and upgraded security cameras that will cover not only the shopping and commercial centre, but also Box Hill Gardens and the main pedestrian routes to and from Box Hill Hospital and Box Hill TAFE. 

 The cameras will be able to be linked to Box Hill police station to enable active monitoring and rapid response.

 “The recent tragic case of a young man bashed, robbed and left unconscious while walking home through Box Hill Gardens highlights the need to upgrade security,” Member for Box Hill, Robert Clark, said.

 “Residents living near the gardens also report frequent problems with graffiti and vandalism, which security cameras would help to curb.

 “Under a Coalition government, Victoria Police Protective Security Officers will patrol Box Hill railway station from 6pm to last train every evening.  Upgrading security along major pedestrian routes from the station to Box Hill Hospital and TAFE will further improve security and enhance community safety.

 “These new security cameras will mean people will be a big boost to safety for people walking to and from Box Hill Hospital and Box Hill TAFE, including in the evenings if they have been visiting loved ones or attending after-hours classes.

 “While there are some cameras already installed around the district centre itself, and Box Hill police do a great job with the resources they have, upgraded and additional cameras around the district centre will provide a big improvement to security.”

 Victoria Police have been seeking additional and upgraded security cameras for some time.  In their submission to Whitehorse Council’s consultations for the Box Hill Gardens master plan, Victoria Police recommended:

        Consideration should be given to the installation of CCTV particularly if it can be integrated with existing units located at Centro Box Hill and the Box Hill Police Station.

       (Box Hill Gardens Master Plan Draft Directions Paper, October 2009, p.59)

 “Box Hill has many great features and services that people should be able to use and enjoy, confident that they can move about in safety.  Upgrading and extending the security camera network is an important step towards providing that safety,” Mr Clark said.