Port Noarlunga vandalism: traders call for CCTV
An arson attack on a local barbershop is the final straw for traders in Gawler St plagued by break-ins and vandalism over the last decade. Now, they’re calling on the government to introduce surveillance.
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A group of southern suburbs business owners are calling for the local council and state government to install CCTV following a spate of crime in the area.
Port Noarlunga traders were devastated by an arson attack on Lowrider Barbershop and the neighbouring businesses last week.
Beachside Dental Studio owner Amy Graham said crime and vandalism had plagued Gawler St businesses for years.
“We’ve had at least eight break ins since we moved here nine years ago,” Mrs Graham said.
“Often we just get here to find smashed windows but when they have gotten in they’ve mainly tried to steal our TVs or go through drawers to find cash
“It’s the inconvenience of having to cancel all of our patients because the front entrance is full of glass and having to replace doors and windows.”
The Gawler St dentist has also had to implement safety rules meaning at least three staff close the shop and walk to their cars together.
“It’s not cost effective for me to have more than one staff member staying until lock up but we don’t feel safe to only have one person there,” Mrs Graham said.
“You just never know what could happen, and without the CCTV we don’t have that additional safeguard.”
Reynell state Labor MP Katrine Hildyard has joined traders in their calls for Onkaparinga Council and the State Government to fund CCTV and additional lighting along the strip.
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“These businesses contribute so much to our local community and economy; they create jobs
and economic activity and bring local people and visitors to our area,” Ms Hildyard said.
“It is crucial these businesses are supported so they can survive and thrive into the future.”
An Onkaparinga Council spokesman said the council was committed to working with SA Police to protect the community.
“We therefore support the use of crime prevention methods, including CCTV and lighting in public areas, where appropriate, and where it is believed they will discourage criminal and anti-social behaviour and increase public confidence in the safety and security of our public spaces,” he said.
“Council have recently increased CCTV coverage in the foreshore area of Port Noarlunga and we’re also looking at upgrading the street lighting in the next six months using LED technology, which will improve the lighting levels through the area.
“We will explore opportunities to further expand CCTV into other areas of concern, through the application for relevant grants when available.”
Ms Hildyard is also urging the State Government to reinstate funding for the Community Safety Grants program.
The program allowed various organisations to apply for grants for CCTV cameras and other safety measures.
A state government spokesperson said there currently no plans to reinstate the grants program.
“Other grants are often made available at a state and federal level, as well as through the private sector, to assist businesses and communities wishing to install CCTV equipment,” they said.
“The Government would be willing to work with Port Noarlunga traders to help them identify alternative sources of funding that may be able to assist them.”