Real-time CCTV monitoring system to fight crime in Alice Springs

Alice Springs Council has stepped up its game to combat crime in the region by introducing a real-time CCTV, following 45 arrests in a fortnight.

ALICE Springs Council has stepped up its game to combat crime in the CBD by bringing in a real-time CCTV monitoring system.

The program, based off a similar network that has seen results and a reduction of crime in Ipswich, Queensland, will allow police to monitor activity around the Alice Springs CBD in real-time.

It is proposed to help police fight crime more effectively and also allow the introduction of targeted responses based on real numbers, the council says.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson said while the council had been in talks about the system since October and had seen results in Ipswich, it would not immediately solve all its crime problems.

“It’s based off a system in Ipswich, it’s been in place there for a long time and has saw immediate results there,” Mr Paterson said.

“It’s not going to fix all of our problems straight away but it’s about trying something and having something that has provided results elsewhere.

“At the end of the day residents are just asking for anything that can help and this program has worked elsewhere.

Alice Springs Council will install real time CCTV cameras to crack down on crime. Picture: Marc Stapelberg.

“It has to be resourced properly and once it’s in place, we can start to get some real numbers on what’s going on in certain areas at certain times.”

The move has gained the support of both the NT government and the CLP as Alice Springs continues to struggle with crime – there have been 45 arrests across the city over the past fortnight, according to police data.

“We’re organising a summit to get the community together on this,” Mr Paterson said.

“There’s no quick fix, this has been going on for 35 years, some would argue longer.

“We want to listen to the community, we want to see solutions and we want to see outcomes.”

It comes as Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley called for more government support for Alice Springs businesses impacted by crime.

During parliamentary question time recently, Ms Lambley asked Chief Minister Michael Gunner what the cost of crime was for businesses and the economy in Alice Springs.

“Every day, businesses experience vandalism, theft and wanton destruction, costing tens of thousands of dollars,” Ms Lambley said.

“This problem is getting worse, not better.”