Ringwood skatepark CCTV camera still not replaced two months after it was damaged by vandals

Maroondah Council is searching for a new location for its CCTV camera at Ringwood skatepark following repeated attacks by vandals but it is unclear when the camera will be reinstalled.

Ringwood skatepark has been without its CCTV camera for more than two months.

MAROONDAH Council is searching for a new location for its CCTV camera at Ringwood skatepark following repeated attacks by vandals.

But it is unclear when the camera will be reinstalled, more than two months after it was removed.

Maroondah Leader revealed in April the camera was out of action after it was damaged during a crime spike at the skatepark in March.

The spike included two separate incidents involving groups of youths, including one where a police officer was allegedly cornered and received death threats.

The camera live streams to Ringwood police station and was installed by Maroondah Council in late 2016.

Police have vowed to patrol Ringwood skatepark up to three times a day following a crime spike in March.

It was repaired and reinstalled in April, with the camera pole extended by 2m and covered in sticky green anti-drying paint.

But according to the council, it was attacked again by vandals two days later and removed for a third time.

In a statement, councillor Mike Symon said the council was investigating “alternative locations” for the camera.
“Given the high likelihood of damage to the camera if it is reinstalled in the same location,

Council is investigating other options to ensure we can maintain CCTV coverage of the

park,” he said.

The camera live streams to Ringwood Police Station and was installed by Maroondah Council in late 2016.

Cr Symon said the council would “continue to work with the local police to address anti-social behaviour in the area” while they searched for a new camera location.

Skaters had mixed opinions on the park’s security when Maroondah Leader visited the skatepark last week.

Wonga Park’s Danny Thiveos, 20, said he didn’t feel unsafe but the camera would “help prevent safety issues” at the facility.

“Even if you don’t know skaters, someone’s always got your back, it’s a nice community,” he said.
“But I’m completely for it being here for others … you do need a camera because a lot of carrying on and drama goes on around here.”

Mitcham’s Damon Olivhant, 18, also felt safe but said the atmosphere at the skatepark had been “sometimes on edge” without the camera.
Police vowed to patrol the skatepark up to three times a day following the March crime spike.

Cr Symon said the council would “welcome any additional resources the police can offer to provide a more regular presence in the area.”

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