THE death of David Cassai in Rye on New Year’s Eve 2012 was the catalyst for the installation of street CCTV cameras last week.
Flinders MP Greg Hunt met with community leaders on Friday 19 May to announce that the federal government had provided $200,000 for six CCTV cameras covering the foreshore and shopping precinct.
“That fatal one-punch hit took the life of an innocent young man and sent a ripple-effect through an entire community,” he said.
“The installation of CCTVs will assist in reducing anti-social behaviour, deterring would-be offenders and helping people to feel safe.”
Mr Cassai’s mother Caterina Politi said she hoped the cameras would help reduce violent and anti-social behaviour. “I hope the cameras only capture butterflies, rather than violence” she said.
“Cameras are one way of helping to deter people from committing crimes and, paired with other measures, they all contribute to making our streets safer.
“In the unfortunate event of an incident, these cameras are incredibly important.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the cameras were “crucial in ensuring community safety”.
“Our community has shown a desire for CCTV systems to help improve the safety of our townships,” she said.
Mr Hunt said CCTV cameras played a vital role in deterring crime and assisting police in apprehending offenders. “Footage … will be monitored in Rosebud and will be used by police in the event of an incident in the area.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and these cameras will send a clear message to any would-be offenders that they will be caught.
“The CCTV cameras will make Rye a safer place for residents and visitors.”
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 June 2017
