Moreton Bay City Council installs CCTV at popular Albany Creek park

Residents are split over a council decision to install security cameras at a popular Moreton park because of vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Only one complaint has been made to police, prompting some to call it overkill. TAKE OUR POLL

‘Big Brother’: There are mixed reactions to the installation of this CCTV camera at a popular Moreton park.

Residents are split over a council decision to install security cameras at a popular Moreton park because of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Only one complaint has been made to police in the past six months, prompting some to call it overkill.

Moreton Bay City Council installed CCTV at Cuthbert Park in Devoran Street, Albany Creek, after an increase in reports from residents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

It would remain in place for the next 10-12 weeks.

A council spokesman said the cameras were put there for security, public safety, crime prevention and service improvement.

“Council has received emails thanking the (local) councillor and officers for acting so promptly to install the CCTV unit,” he said.

Police say they have attended Cuthbert Park after a report about youths drinking alcohol who also ripped out a give-way sign.

One Albany Creek mother said if she were subject to an assault or other crime at the park she would want it caught on camera so the perpetrator could be found.

“There are cameras everywhere nowadays. This could serve as a deterrent for some in partaking criminal activity in public spaces,” she said.

But another resident said the cameras made him feel like “big brother was watching him”.

“Quite sad to see how many people are begging to be monitored, it is deeply concerning,” they said.

“It’s a bit much, isn’t it?’’

A Queensland Police spokesman said police attended the park on June 11 after a report about youths drinking there.

“Residents in the area who advised youths had pulled out the give way sign,” he said.

“Officers located the sign and advised the local council. Since this incident, the area (has become) part of police’s regular patrols.

“There are no other incidents police are aware of in this location in the past six months.

“Residents are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to their local police station.’’

A local mother said the rate of public assaults on women, in general, was “alarming”.

“These public cameras could be a reason a female might feel comfortable to go on that walk after work and feel the confidence to do so,” she said.

“It may not fix the issue but it’s small step towards making the community safer.’’

Another resident said their child was attacked at the park in broad daylight.

“Seeing some security cameras is such a relief this won’t happen to another kid,’’ he said.

“Most people have home security cameras so you’re being filmed most of the time anyway.’’