Three Western Bay towns have another tool in the crime prevention toolbox with the introduction of a trial to monitor installed CCTV cameras in Te Puke, Maketu and Katikati.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is funding the trial monitoring 22 CCTV cameras, including Te Puke's 10 cameras, and six cameras each in Maketu and Katikati.

CCTV cameras will be used as a crime prevention tool.

WBOPDC community development officer Ben Wilson says introducing live monitoring of CCTV cameras is set to enhance proactive prevention of crime and keeping communities safe.

'There a tool, and the thing with this level of technology is, under the right circumstances, they're a tool that can enhance community safety.”

Previously the cameras (installed by each town's community board) have been recording footage; but only after an event police had access to review it for evidence of crimes or anti-social behaviour.

'[Now] it means we can have a lot of real time response to any potential criminal activity or events that require an appropriate response,” says Ben.

The cameras, which will still record footage, have motion detectors and sound an alarm when motion is detected.

With local company Tarnix Security monitoring the cameras, a camera operator will now react to alarms and check the cameras to ascertain if an event is happening to decide on whether it requires a response, including police assistance.

'It's a natural evolution, as CCTV is more effective when it's monitored live – and it's proactive rather than reactive,” says Ben.

'Instead recording and reacting to events after the fact, we've now got the ability for communities to respond to events as they happen, increasing the chance of apprehension for offenders involved in criminal activity.”

Ben says live monitoring may also curb anti-social or criminal behaviour.

'Usually, it doesn't take long for those in the criminal fraternity, or disposed to be a bit of nuisance, to know they are being monitored in public spaces – that in itself is a very powerful tool.”

The initiative used alongside other crime prevention groups such as Neighbourhood Support networks, community patrols, Police, Maori wardens – and combined with liquor bans – can provide an overall safety plan, says Ben.

But he warns expectations have to be realistic – 'they are not the silver bullet to solving crime in communities”.

The trial, beginning this week, is being undertaken by Tarnix Security to next June.