Security cameras coming

Tony Stevenson, left, of Martinborough-based business Securatel Smarter Living is set to begin installation of CCTV cameras in town. Also pictured, from left, from the Martinborough Business Association are Charlotte Harding, Allan Hogg and Mike Anders. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Martinborough Business Association is leading a push to have CCTV cameras and vehicle number plate identification camera installed in the centre of town to deter criminal behaviour and provide peace of mind.

The six-camera set-up is costing around $30,000, with money coming from the MBA, Rotary, Martinborough Community Board, and a Give-A-Little campaign.

Trust House has provided the biggest injection of cash, with a grant of $7000.

There has been other support in-kind with Campbell Technologies supplying all of the cabling required for free.

The cameras will cover exit and entry points to the town square.

Only police will have access to recordings.

MBA committee member Mike Anders said the primary motivation for installing the cameras was to provide a “deterrent”.

“It is about protection and prevention as opposed to catching criminals,” he said.

“It will also help to provide peace of mind to businesses and the community.”

South Wairarapa Police Sergeant Richie Day said the Martinborough Community was not immune to crime and the town was seen as a soft target by predominately out-of-town criminals due its remoteness.

He said these people targeted businesses, and holiday and weekend homes.

“Having cameras installed will not only assist police in solving crime and holding offenders accountable for their actions, but the cameras will also prevent crime,” Day said.

CCTV cameras in Masterton had assisted police in making numerous arrests for various crimes, he said. The cameras had also prevented crimes from happening and numerous people from becoming victims.

“I believe the installation of CCTV cameras and vehicle registration identification cameras is a very good idea and it will greatly benefit the whole Martinborough community.”

The CCTV project has been on the MBA’s to-do list for some time, but had stalled because of the cost. All that changed when Charlotte Harding was appointed secretary earlier this year, Anders said.

“Charlotte coming onboard gave it the impetus that was required to make this a reality,” he says.

He said the support for the CCTV project had been “tremendous”.

“A lot of businesses and locals recognise it as being a good thing.

“Martinborough is a popular tourist destination and only expected to get busier with the Dark Sky Reserve, so having more and more people visiting and walking around at night it is so important that they can do so while feeling safe.”