Council-owned camera network could provide clues around alleged murder of Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes

An advanced network of more than 100 CCTV cameras will likely play a role in piecing together the final moments of allegedly slain Corio barber Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes.

CCTV screens inside the watch tower at Geelong police station. Picture: Alan Barber.

An advanced network of 115 CCTV cameras will likely play a role in piecing together the final moments of slain Corio barber Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes.

Much of Geelong’s CBD, including Little Malop St, is monitored extensively by cameras police use to swiftly respond to crime.

Multiple screens at the Geelong police station are constantly monitored by at least one officer.

Police use the footage to retrace the steps of suspects and victims before and after alleged crimes.

A police spokesman said the footage can be an invaluable tool in providing evidence when cases are brought before the courts.

“Geelong police station has 24/7 access to the city’s CCTV network,” he said.

Senior Constable Clint Holdsworth inside the CCTV monitoring and control room at Geelong police station in 2023. Picture: Alan Barber.

“This means police can monitor live footage to help them detect and swiftly respond to any incidents.”

It’s been reported that Mr Sykes was with at least one other person in St James nightclub on James St on the night he died.

Mr Sykes was then allegedly involved in an altercation.

A shrine of flowers, photos, cards and beer bottles remain in a planter box on Little Malop St, near Downes Lane, which is understood to be close to where Mr Sykes was allegedly stabbed.

Corio man 20-year-old Jayme “Chugs” Sykes has been remembered as a “ripper bloke”.

It is not publicly known what occurred between the two locations, which are roughly 100m apart.

Geelong council, which owns and maintains the CCTV network, upgraded the system late last year.

In early 2023, the Addy was given access to the watch tower to better understand how the system operated.

At the time, Senior Constable Clint Holdsworth said nightclubs were a key focus after dark.

“We can focus in and out, we can roam the cameras around, move and pan them to where we want,” he said.

CCTV cameras in Geelong’s CBD. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I know even when I go into the CBD now that I’m being watched.

“We’re watching all the time to keep the community safe.”

Earlier this month, a portable CCTV camera aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour found a temporary home on a busy CBD street.

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

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.

Originally published as Council-owned camera network could provide clues around alleged murder of Jayme ‘Chugs’ Sykes