Ballarat’s Inspector Bruce Thomas said private CCTV was “invaluable to police investigations”, however City of Ballarat director of community development Neville Ivey said council would not investigate installing or funding CCTV in residential areas at this stage.

“Community safety perceptions are important and council’s role in that is to facilitate discussions with appropriate agencies to restore a sense of safety but also preventative initiatives,” Mr Ivey said. 

Carol Turner has lived in Miners Rest for seven years and fears the small, countrified pocket is becoming a playground for young criminals intent on stealing from now wary residents.  A victim of a “terrifying” aggravated burglary that had an emotional and financial impact on the Miners Rest great-grandmother, Mrs Turner is leading the charge for CCTV funding. 

“We are the forgotten few out here,” Mrs Turner said.

“It is not good enough. Every night there are kids roaming the streets. The year before last we had a terrible aggravated burglary that left my husband with post traumatic stress and we are now hyper-vigilant about everything,” Mrs Turner said.

“Everything is under lock and key and we wouldn’t walk around here at night anymore.” 

Inspector Thomas said police routinely checked CCTV after burglaries and used it to identify victims. 

“CCTV has become invaluable to police investigations,” Inspector Thomas said.  However, he also maintained Miners Rest was a safe area where police had had success in reducing crime. 

Mrs Turner said the installation of security cameras at the entrance of the Macarthur Park and Miners Rest estate entrances would “both deter criminal and help police catch them”. 

A Macarthur Park resident, who declined to be named, said she lived “in fear” of young offenders. 

“They (the offenders) have changed the feeling of this community. It never used to be like this,” she said. 

“We can’t live without (CCTV). We’re too scared,” Mrs Turner said. 

Inspector Thomas said police remained aware that most burglaries were opportunistic and occurred during the day, when residents were not at home. 

Crime Statistics data shows crime in Miners Rest increased dramatically from 2014 -15, but police have seen a reduction since 2015. 

However, the actions of the offenders are continuing to influences the victims’ lives. Mrs Turner’s husband lost his work vehicle and new steam cleaner, impacting his ability to work. 

“Police are targeting thieves with proactive burglary investigation teams and patrols in high risk areas, and raising awareness in the community  about these opportunistic crimes and what residents can do to help,” Inspector Thomas said.