A program to install more than 1,000 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in local businesses around western Sydney has completed its first round with 31 organisations qualifying to take part.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Police, David Elliott jointly announced the program saying it would protect local businesses and make the community a safer place to live in.
“Community safety is our top priority and these grants will help keep small businesses and communities safe from crime and anti-social behaviour,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“CCTV cameras boost community confidence and send a strong message to would-be criminals that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and punished.”
Mr Speakman said that the $5 million fund would provide at least 1,000 small businesses and community organisations with support to enhance security.
“Increased CCTV can deter anti-social behaviour and will ultimately make our suburbs safer,” Mr Speakman said.
He also said applications for funding were open to not-for-profit community organisations and small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million.
Mr Elliott said the new cameras would be entered into the NSW Police Force CCTV Register, providing another crime-fighting tool to identify and catch criminals.
He said the program was being rolled out across the Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollondilly local government areas.
