Police set up CCTV camera on Yarra St in a bid to curb unruly behaviour

You’re being watched: A police camera has appeared on a busy central Geelong street and its purpose has now been confirmed.

The mobile security camera in Yarra St. Picture: Alison Wynd.

A portable CCTV camera aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour has found a temporary home on a busy CBD street.

The camera has been positioned on Yarra St, just north of the rainbow crossing and near the entrance to Westfield.

It is unclear how long it will remain there.

Its location was decided by a “local safety community group”, which includes, among others, police and Geelong council, as well as Westfield and Market Square management.

Senior Sergeant Aaron Riches said the group worked together to minimise crime in the CBD.

“We figure out who’s got an issue, who’s got a priority,” he said.

The mobile security camera on Yarra St. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Mr Riches said the camera was positioned in areas that “we want to survey or collect evidence data on”.

“It might be there to look at assaults for homeless people, it might be there to look at youths that are being unruly or out of control,” he said.

The mobile security camera on Yarra St. Picture: Alison Wynd. Picture: Alison Wynd.

Mr Riches said the hi-tech camera provided police with a live feed and was constantly monitored.

“There’s a couple of them around and they just go where they’re needed,” he said.

The camera popped up soon after police swooped on Geelong’s busiest shopping centres during a school holiday blitz.

Operation Plymouth, conducted over four days, saw officers swarm retail hubs in Waurn Ponds, Corio and central Geelong.

Eighty-one people were arrested, processed and banned from the centres.

Originally published as Police set up CCTV camera on Yarra St in a bid to curb unruly behaviour