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VICTIMS of the city’s crime wave have welcomed the roll-out of 25 CCTV cameras to mark a new era in public safety. A 27-year-old man was punched in the face during a violent attack on Crampton Street in February. The victim, who wished not be named, sustained a broken nose, lacerations to his face and lips and a broken and chipped tooth during the violent robbery. The man, now 28, is encouraged by the launch of the unprecedented safety initiative tomorrow, headed by Wagga City Council (WWCC) and Committee 4 Wagga (C4W). ““It will help bring people to justice,” he said. “The best deterrent to crime is swift justice. If someone thinks they can get away with something, they will.” Cameras across Station Place, Baylis Street, Fitzmaurice Street and the Gurwood Street taxi rank will go live from today, sending images to the Wagga police station to be monitored in the event of an accident or at peak times. Though the location of the cameras would not have captured the assault, the man said footage could still aid police with the investigations. “It would have made it easier for police to track perpetrators,” he said. “I am absolutely hopeful that we’ll see less crime as a result.” Wagga mayor Rod Kendall welcomed the joint initiative to deter crime and improve safety for the community and businesses. “It will improve security, minimise vandalism and lead to prosecution for illegal activities and that will be a good thing for the community,” Cr Kendall said. The $1.1 million project is funded by state and federal grants, Wagga City Council and C4W. “Infrastructure such as this is vital for a growing city,” C4W CEO Chris Fitzpatrick said. “It’s a great benefit to both existing and new residents to town, to know that the city cares about protecting its community.” Among those most privy to street violence, security guards and taxis have also applauded the project. Wagga Radio Cabs spokesman John Patton hoped the roll-out of cameras would reduce the number of assaults on drivers as an extra safety measure to cameras inside vehicles and the introduction of guards at Gurwood taxi rank. Ollies Security owner Oliver Hoffmann said assaults on his guards were minimal, but cameras would increase street safety on top of those already installed in pubs and clubs. “I’m all for any tool that’s used to collect evidence if it’s installed correctly and used for the right purposes,” Midcity Security owner Glenn Shean said. If not part of any ongoing police investigation or court proceedings, the footage will be deleted after 30 days.

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