Horsham police Inspector Rebecca Olsen said she was thrilled Horsham Rural City Council had received a $238,274 grant for the cameras, as a part of the first ever state government Community Safety Statement. 

Inspector Olsen said the CBD had seen a 40 per cent increase in retail theft in three years and central Horsham and a 30 per cent increase in property damage.

“Youth offending features predominantly in these categories,” she said.

“As police in regional Victoria, we are all well aware of the extent entrenched disengagement of our young people.

“The additional rural challenges around living geographically isolated, financial challenges in drought affected areas and reduced education or employment opportunities pathways lead into 'gateway' crimes such as low level drug use and damages.”

She said young people were both the perpetrators and victims of many of these crimes.

“Sadly Horsham youth are also reflected as our repeat victims with many of these offences taking place outside residential areas,” she said.

Inspector Olsen said the 15 new cameras would be located at the northern and western CBD in trouble spots identified by police, the community and council, including Safeway and Kmart car parks. 

The cameras provide live and recorded images directly to Horsham Police Station.

Inspector Olsen said the original 17 cameras installed in 2013 across Horsham had an immediate effect reducing crime in covered areas.

“CCTV provides significant support in terms of corroborative evidence for victims and their families in successfully prosecuting offenders,” Inspector Olsen said.

“Our aim is that early intervention through vigilant monitoring of CCTV will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.”

Inspector Olsen said CCTV was an essential tool that assists police officers proactively investigate crime and create a sense of security.

“The reassurance that having live 24/7 monitored CCTV provides is priceless,” she said. 

“The greatest benefit is the reduction of crime and the perception of public safety – these are hard to measure.”

Western Victoria member Jaala Pulford said the installation of new cameras would bring Horsham’s total to 32.

She said the Community Safety Statement package would help keep Victorians safe.

“It’s a comprehensive and historic plan to keep Victorians safe,” Ms Pulford said.

“We’re also working to break the cycle of youth offending in Horsham through a targeted grants program and I’m delighted to be working with Horsham Rural City to help increase public safety.”