Mosman Council investigates CCTV option to stop late night attacks on main street trees

CCTV cameras are usually installed in public places to protect people - but one Sydney council is concerned about the safety of its trees.

MOSMAN tree hackers be warned – cameras could soon be capturing your every move.

Mosman Council will look at how much it will cost to install CCTV cameras along Military Rd to snap vandals in the act and cut down on petty crime in the area.

It is in response to a motion tabled by councillor Simon Menzies last week which received the backing of a majority of councillors.

CCTV cameras may by an option to prevent attacks on trees along Military Rd.

Cr Menzies said when a Military Rd streetscape was prepared in the last term of council, there were plans to install CCTV but they never eventuated.

“I was always a believer we needed CCTV to protect the assets. The reason I’m bringing it back to council is we have had a spate of vandalism along Military Rd,” he said.

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“On (September 6) a brick was thrown through a shop front window.

“Council would be well informed just to get some quotes on what the technology would cost. It’s a pretty simple request.”

Mosman councillor Simon Menzies believes CCTV may prevent the vandalism.

Roy Bendall and Peter White were against the proposal.

As cameras were already installed in several businesses along Military Rd, there was no need for council to add more, Cr Bendall said.

“I don’t think three trees being hacked warrants the need for the streets to be flooded by CCTV,” he said.

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“I’m not keen on big brother. I think we’re covered here.

“It’s a role of the state generally. I wouldn’t be keen on voluntary cost shifting to ourselves to install CCTV.

“This is the responsibility of individuals and business owners.”

A number of Military Rd trees have fallen victim to vandalism.