Security Camera crackdown on Chapel Street

THE state government will spend $330,000 installing CCTV cameras along Chapel Street in a bid to crack down on crime and unruly behaviour.

Nightclub owners have welcomed the move, in which 10 state-of-the-art cameras would be installed along the popular strip between South Yarra and Windsor.

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh’s spokesman James Talia said the government was aware traders and community members wanted CCTV cameras on Chapel Street and would soon fulfil its election promise to install them. Mr Talia would not confirm a date for the installation.

Police have recommended locations for the 10 cameras which will replace five existing apparatus operated by the Chapel Street Traders Association.

Stonnington Police inspector Adrian White said officers would watch the footage at the police station.

‘‘It gives us the ability to quickly deploy to a crowd build-up or potential harm,’’ he said.

News of the security boost follows the release of a report by a former Victorian police inspector Matt Dillon, highlighting security concerns in Chapel Street including public drunkenness, street gangs and insufficient police presence.

The report, commissioned by King Street nightclub owner Peter Iwaniuk, recommended deploying private security guards and installing CCTV cameras along the strip.

Mr Iwaniuk, who owned Chasers nightclub and sold it in the early 1980s, said Chapel Street was still a ‘‘social hub’’ and he wanted to see the entertainment precinct return to its old glory. ‘‘It still has the scope to take pole position again,’’ he said.

Gareth Holt, general manager at Chapel Street club Red Bennies, said he supported CCTV cameras. ‘‘King Street gets a bad rap, but it’s very safe compared to some of South Yarra’s streets,’’ said Mr Holt, who also manages venues in the city.

‘‘CCTV that’s watched is a big deterrent for people acting violently. A lot of the repeat offenders are known [by police]. It’s about getting them on camera. Witnesses at 3am aren’t that reliable,’’ Mr Holt said.

Stonnington mayor John Chandler said the council would manage the new CCTV system, which would incorporate the latest technology and superior image clarity.

The previous contract for a five-camera system ended in October. The council spent $33,000 funding an interim system from October to April.

The council will work with the Chapel Street Traders Association and the current provider to carry on a month-by-month agreement until the new system is installed.

However, the council has no plans to deploy private security guards. Cr Chandler said the council had trialled a security camera vehicle with security guards from September 2010 to February 2011 but feedback from licensed premises and community members did not support its continuation.