Mall security cameras demanded

New Brighton businesses and residents are calling for CCTV cameras to be installed to curb problems in the mall.

Thousands of dollars worth of damage was recently caused to business windows in the mall after two young people went on a window etching spree.

As a result, a 14-year-old boy is to be dealt with by a family conference. A 12-year-old was also apprehended.

The pair were caught red-handed on a business' CCTV camera.

The incident has come as a final blow for shop owners, who say they have been struggling since the earthquakes.

Fed up with the intimidating behaviour of youths and gang members hanging around the mall, as well as damage caused by vandals and taggers, they are now asking where is a security camera the Burwood-Pegasus Community Board granted for police to use in the area?

The board funded a portable security camera for police to use in the ward several years ago. It is understood this was initially used predominantly in the mall.

A shop owner and New Brighton Business Association member spoken to by the Pegasus Postbelieved the community board had funded the security camera to be used solely in the mall.

The shop owner, who did not want to be named, also believed there was more than one.

However, the community board adviser said one portable camera was funded for the police to use anywhere in the ward, where they saw fit.

Inspector Dave Lawry said the camera was currently being used for a covert operation in the ward.

"It's always being used. Once this job is done we'll look at getting it back in the mall if there's a risk.''

New Brighton Residents Association chairman Steve Burke felt cameras would act as a deterrent.

"Apparently there used to be CCTV cameras.

"We've been asking for the police for about three years now to have cameras installed to deal with graffiti and tagging but they're being used for something else.

"We believe put cameras in to catch these little buggers. I think it would result in a decrease in tagging and a bit of crime.''

Mr Burke felt the New Brighton police station should also be open on the weekends and foot patrols through the mall increased.

"But they're not interested, that's why we should have the cameras,'' he said.