Sydney continues CCTV security upgrades

CCTV cameras that help keep streets and walkways safe where large crowds enjoy Sydney’s attractions and events are being upgraded by the City of Sydney.

Some 20 cameras in the northern part of central Sydney will be replaced with new, high-definition (HD) models to help police catch criminals — as they are breaking the law — and later convict them using clearer footage of incidents as evidence.

CCTV operators tipped off police three times a day last year as they viewed footage of incidents about to unfold on screens connected to the cameras via live feeds.

Cameras along George Street and around Wynyard Station, Martin Place and Circular Quay will be replaced with more advanced technology over the next two months.

“CCTV surveillance by City of Sydney staff helps police get to the scene of incidents faster and later hold people who break the law to account,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“This is vital in areas so important to Sydney’s global reputation as an events capital.

“Higher-definition footage helps police identify suspects and helps lead to successful prosecutions, so the City is assisting by rolling out these new and improved cameras.”

The City upgraded 25 cameras to HD along the George Street entertainment strip, from Park Street to Goulburn Street, and along Liverpool Street, Oxford Street and Hyde Park South to improve security ahead of Mardi Gras earlier this year.

It followed the installation of HD cameras in Kings Cross, Surry Hills and the CBD in 2014. Another 38 cameras in the City’s network of 99 will be upgraded over the next two years.

Between July 2013 and June 2014, the team of 18 CCTV operators alerted police 1084 times over criminal activity — an increase of 134 on the previous year.

Image courtesy of The City of Sydney

Source