Theft amplifies CCTV call

Nicholas Simpson is calling for a network of CCTV cameras in Pialba’s Main St after a break-in at his premises.

Alistair Brightman

THE theft of valuable antiques has highlighted the need for more CCTV cameras in Hervey Bay.

Nicholas Simpson, owner of Wide Bay Antiques and Collectables, said the cameras were vital as a string of break-ins had harmed a number of small businesses along Main St.

While Maryborough already had a CCTV network in the CBD, Main St in Hervey Bay had been fighting for one for some time.

Only last week, a petition was presented to the Fraser Coast Regional Council calling for the cameras.

Mr Simpson was one of the people to sign the petition and he said he had also personally contacted council about the issue in the past.

"The shop next door was broken into last week as well," he said, adding that improved security measures to the back of his store would force offenders through the front - where CCTV could catch them in the act if it was eventually installed.

About $30,000 worth of antiques were stolen from Mr Simpson, including a 150-year-old bronze Gregorian statue - one of only 50 in the world - and an embalmed shark head.

Candidate for Division 9 Stuart Taylor believes another strategy combined with CCTV could help Main St shop owners.

Mr Taylor said a Police Beat shopfront on either Boat Harbour Dr or Main St in Pialba would provide a policing presence to retailers and shoppers.

From his background as a police officer, Mr Taylor said a shopfront was a proven way to effectively deter crime.

As Police Beat shopfronts came from State Government funding, Mr Taylor said it was important for the local government on the Fraser Coast to lobby for them.

Mr Taylor said he had already sent a letter to Hervey Bay MP Ted Sorensen about the issue.