Following a recent meeting of Cowra's Neighborhood Watch, residents are reminded that while crime rates in the shire have fluctuated, many incidents can be prevented with proactive planning and coordination.
One key measure discussed was the community CCTV register. This initiative allows police to essentially map residents and businesses across Cowra, which may help in identifying offenders, even beyond the immediate crime scene.
Cowra Neighborhood Watch (CNW) President Henry Downing said "Inaccessible information is the same as having no information. A database like the CCTV Register can potentially accelerate police investigations and their chances of success.
"The issue isn't a lack of information, it's about knowing where that information is when it's needed."
"From our perspective it's just an extension of the neighbourly, community-focused connections that already exist between Cowra residents.
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"The CCTV camera above your garage or shop is just another set of eyes. They form a network that makes it very difficult for criminals to operate unseen."
"It wasn't your house that got broken into, but maybe the crook ran through your front yard to get to a vehicle a few doors down. That's crucial information to the Police, and your camera may have recorded some of it."
According to NSW Police, "CCTV footage has become a crucial investigative tool. Knowing where CCTV systems are located helps police solve crimes and provides valuable evidence in court—sometimes, a picture truly is worth a thousand words."
With key information about crime prevention available, Police and CNW are urging residents to be aware of where they might be able to make a difference for themselves and others.
Residents can confidentially register their camera locations with NSW Police via the link below
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_details
