Watchful eye on Petone's Jackson Street

Four new security cameras will be keeping watch in Petone’s Jackson Street as the Hutt City Council’s safe city network of CCTV cameras is extended across the city.

Mayor Ray Wallace said Jackson Street was a popular dining and shopping centre and part of its attraction was being able to move about safely at whatever time of the day or night.

“We have cameras in the Central Business District, Naenae and Stokes Valley with cameras also planned for Wainuiomata. The latest cameras in Jackson Street will extend the network.

“There is strong community and business support and the Community Board and Jackson Street programme have worked hard to get support for funding the $10,000 cost per camera.”

Chair of the Jackson Street Programme, Leonie Dobbs, said the cameras are a welcome addition to the street. “We want people who visit our street to feel safe,” she said.

“The purchase of the cameras has been the result of everyone within the community working together and that reflects the strength of Jackson Street.”

Pub Charity donated $33,000 toward the cost of purchasing the cameras, said Jackson Street programme coordinator Robert Hutton.

Senior Constable for Petone Dave Tweedale said the cameras would be a deterrent and help make the area safer.

The cameras have a continuous 24-hour 360 degree scan and are linked back to the Lower Hutt Central Police Station where they are monitored. A monitoring site will also be established at the Petone Police Station.

Hutt City Council has spent more than $500,000 on developing the CCTV network across the city.