Hutt St: CCTV to allow police to watch for anti-social behaviour, trouble makers ‘on notice’

THE State Government has put $100,000 toward a plan it says puts “potential trouble-makers on notice” in Hutt St

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FIVE police-monitored security cameras will be installed at the southern end of troubled Hutt St, as the State Government puts $100,000 toward a plan it says puts “potential troublemakers on notice”.

It comes as part of a wider Adelaide City Council push to crack down on anti-social and aggressive behaviour that has led businesses to warn they could pull out of the strip.

Some have raised concerns that clients of the nearby Hutt St Centre, which provides services to the homeless, have been involved in violent and threatening activity.

The council has previously sent security guards to monitor threats in the area, with plans to do so again, and videos have captured wild brawling.

The new CCTV cameras will be installed by Adelaide City Council and monitored by police through a State Government grant program.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said cameras were effective in combating crime and anti-social behaviour, and the Government was “working hard to address the ongoing issues” in the Hutt St precinct.

“The local community have a right to feel safe and with SAPOL monitoring these CCTV cameras it puts potential trouble makers on notice,” Ms Chapman said.

“These CCTV cameras will help deter people who are going to be a nuisance and harass people who are going about their daily lives, as well as assist police in apprehending these individuals.

“The State Government will be working with the Adelaide City Council, SAPOL, the Hutt Street Centre and other stakeholders to address this issue.”

Adelaide City Council has established a Hutt St working group as concerns over violence in the area escalate.

Earlier this month, three men were charged over a confrontation at a Hutt St cafe.

Police alleged the men entered Bici cafe and acted in a disorderly manner towards staff and customers.

The incident was captured on CCTV and the men were charged with violent disorder. Adelaide City Council in February voted to have five CCTV cameras installed and investigate a possible incentive scheme for businesses to operate their own surveillance.

The Government’s grants program funds councils to install safety infrastructure.