Shoppers, traders welcome CCTV surveillance along shops in May Rd, Lalor

Criminals causing chaos along Lalor’s busiest shopping strip will have nowhere to hide after 17 CCTV cameras were installed. And the move could not have come soon enough for many.

New CCTV cameras along May Rd in Lalor will help tackle crime in the area. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Surveillance cameras have been installed in May Rd in an effort to tackle crime along Lalor’s busiest shopping strip.

And relieved shoppers and traders say the $250,000 security crackdown is already helping to deter criminals.

A total of 17 CCTV cameras were installed in May Rd last week, between David and Messmate streets, including two cameras in Peter Lalor Walk and another two in the carpark at the corner of May Rd and Cyprus St.

The Whittlesea Council, Victoria Police and State Government project formed part of a crime prevention strategy to fight anti-social behaviour in the area.

Ferguson Plarre owner Mina Magdi had his car broken into and keyed twice in the past 12 months.

There were also dramatic scenes at his bakery after a car ploughed into diners, injuring two people in 2013.

Mr Magdi welcomed the Big Brother approach on crime.

“We have a lot of accidents here — people drive around the corners very quickly and drive into each other and then there are a lot of fights between the drivers,” he said.

“There is also a lot of stealing from cars and people scratching them with keys.

“My car has been written off and keyed twice but now I don’t see any more crime going on.”

Ferguson Plarre manager Mina Magdi has had his car broken into and keyed twice in the past 12 months. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The Real Gold Shop owner Jafar Kareem said the cameras would ease the community’s safety concerns.

“When I took over this shop I had a friend who told me to be careful because it is a jewellery shop and criminals like to target them,” he said.

“But the new CCTV is very good for safety.”

Shopper Cetin Tatli said it was money well spent and worth spending.

“There are a lot of older people who shop here — it will make us all feel safer, we appreciate it,” he said.

Shopper David Roach said the new CCTV cameras will make the community feel safer. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Mill Park acting Senior Sergeant Scott Bilby said while crime along May Rd was not a major concern for police, it had historically been a hot spot for anti-social behaviour.

“These CCTV cameras are part of a crime prevention focus and will offer the public great reassurance,” he said.

“Historically it’s been an area where people like to loiter, an area for shoplifting, breaking into cars and criminal damage — but this is activity which goes on at most shopping centres and hopefully these cameras will help to reduce these crimes even more.”

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Whittlesea Council director of city transport and presentation Nick Mann said the cameras would pave the way for more security clampdowns.

“Council is working with our community on a variety of ways to help them feel safe where they live and shop,” he said.

“We looked at crime and perceptions of safety data and worked with Victoria Police to identify areas where CCTV might act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour.

“The project will be evaluated and the findings integrated into future community safety planning.”

The State Government’s Department of Justice and Regulation allocated $200,000 towards the cameras, while the council kicked in $50,000.

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