Traders want Big Brother

By Callan Date
FRUSTRATED traders are calling for Big Brotherlike security cameras in Pakenham’s Main Street after vandals ran riot again last week.
They feel that someone could even be killed if the situation is allowed to escalate.
Police have joined the push for camera surveillance, believing it would help prevent future attacks.
The shopping strip has been targeted several times over the last month, with more than 15 traders reporting regular damage to their shop fronts.
Pakenham Health Foods was the latest business to feel the brunt of this blight on the central business district with a bin thrown through the front window early last Friday morning.
Shopkeeper Lesley Harris said the vandalism problem in Main Street was getting out of control. She said something had to be done to stop the violence.
“I’m really frustrated and angry about the inconvenience this incident has caused,” Ms Harris said.
She believed security cameras were definitely a way to stop the attacks.
“It would really help apprehend people if they were caught on camera,” she said.
Several shopkeepers have had their windows scratched with graffiti with paint tags scrawled onto walls and public seats.
Vandals also hit Lazy Frog Gifts, with the damage bill to four large windows topping $4000.
Janet Pursell has owned and operated the gift store for 25 years and said the time had come for Main Street to be watched around the clock.
“It has got to the stage where council has to do something about the vandalism and security cameras will deter and help catch the people that are doing this,” Ms Pursell said.
The deep scratches in the glass had tarnished the display of goods in the gift stores front window.
Ms Pursell believed the problem might only get worse.
“Someone was killed on King Street (Melbourne) before they put cameras in and I hope a crime like that doesn’t have to happen in Pakenham before cameras are installed,” she said.
Traders said police were doing as much as they possibly could to catch the culprits but needed the assistance of video surveillance.
Pakenham Police Sergeant Chris Marlow said properly installed cameras would be a great help in catching vandals and making sure they are brought to justice.
“We would back any movement from traders who want security cameras installed in Main Street,” Sgt Marlow said.
Cardinia communications manager Doug Evans said council would consider video surveillance as a security measure if traders officially raised the issue.
“Council currently operates security cameras at the LLINC (Living and Learning in Cardinia) building in Pakenham to deter any vandalism there,” Mr Evans said.