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FOURTEEN new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and signs worth $50,000 have been installed in Raymond Terrace's central business district (CBD).
Paterson MP Bob Baldwin initially secured the funding under the Federal Government's Safer Streets program last year which Port Stephens Council successfully applied for.
The council's strategy and environment section manager, Tim Crosdale, said the additional cameras, which were installed across the weekend and on Monday, would enhance the Lower Port Stephens Chamber of Commerce's existing CCTV camera network.
"The funding provides for the installation of up to 14 additional CCTV cameras and signage to enhance the existing network in the Raymond Terrace CBD, which will be operated by the Lower Port Stephens Chamber of Commerce," Mr Crosdale said.
The locations of the new cameras, with many installed towards the river end of William Street and in Port Stephens Street, were chosen based on an analysis of crime statistics in the Raymond Terrace CBD.
"This includes additional cameras to monitor the new CBD taxi and community hub which is under construction between the Centro shopping centre and William Street retail precinct," Mr Crosdale said. "In the past, footage from the existing CCTV network has been utilised by police in their investigations.
"Council has also accessed footage in relation to incidents such as vandalism to public property."