FIVE break and enters in eight days, and one attempted armed robbery, have left Bathurst police praising the merits of closed-circuit television (CCTV).
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The crime spree has cost businesses thousands of dollars in stolen stock and damage to property, but most of the incidents were caught on CCTV cameras.
The five break and enters have occurred right across the city – in south and west Bathurst, White Rock and in the foothills of Mount Panorama.
Town and Country Rural Supplies suffered the first break and enter on December 28. It was followed by Metro Petroleum (December 29), Skillset (January 2 and 3) and Madden’s Stable Bedding (January 3).
Also, on December 30, two boys, aged 14 and 16, are alleged to have attempted an armed robbery at the Lucky 7 convenience store on the intersection of Mitre and Suttor streets.
Owner Labh Singh alleged one boy repeatedly shoved a knife towards staff while threatening to kill them.
The boys demanded money from the cash register and cigarettes, and after a “two or three minute argument” they left the store with nothing.
“We supplied the CCTV footage to the cops and it’s really good evidence of who was involved,” Mr Singh said.
He said the store’s multiple CCTV cameras deterred some people who were considering committing a crime.
“It’s a deterrent and sometimes we can catch people who shoplift or do something wrong,” Mr Singh said.
Chifley local area command duty officer Inspector Chris Sammut said CCTV had become a vital tool for police.
“We can use it as part of our investigation arsenal to help identify a person of interest,” he said.
“Not only can it help identify a person, but we can use it in court as evidence.
“It’s a major part of how we secure a prosecution.”
Inspector Sammut said any images caught on CCTV can then be distributed on a local, statewide or national level to other police officers or media outlets.
This, he said, can help identify people connected with a crime.
TWO break-ins in two days have forced Bathurst training organisation Skillset into an urgent security upgrade.
A number of whipper snippers and a laptop were stolen during the first break-in on January 2 and more computers and a car were taken on January 3.
The Havannah Street facility did not have closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed, but it does now.
Skillset chief executive officer Craig Randazzo said CCTV cameras were installed yesterday following an urgent security review.
“It’s not the best way to kick off the new year ... it’s a bit of a wake-up call for us,” he said.
Senior Constable Sue Rose of Bathurst police said the Holden Cruze car stolen during the second break-in has since been recovered.
But before it was found dumped on Stanley Street, police officers did see the car being driven.
“The car was seen with several people inside who were acting suspiciously,” she said.
Senior Constable Rose said an item of personal property was recovered after one of the break-ins and has been sent for DNA testing.
Police have called for any witnesses or anyone with information on the break-ins to call 6332 8699.
