ST ALBANS traders will lobby Brimbank’s new administrators to install 24-hour security cameras in a bid to curb street violence.

Business owners along the popular Alfrieda and Main Rd East shopping strips have been campaigning for surveillance cameras for the past two years. They are furious the council has so far refused to commit to the project.

The group says it will take up the issue with the new panel that is expected to be appointed to Brimbank within weeks.

One shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named said drunks and junkies were ruining her business.

“They hang around outside the front of my shop and stop the customers from coming in,” she said.

“It’s not good business and the council should do something about it.”

Star spoke to a number of traders who said break ins, assaults and thefts were a regular occurrence at the busy shopping precinct.

“Everyone complains about it but what can we do?” one trader asked.

“We call the police but by the time they get here it’s too late. We feel very unsafe.”

St Albans Traders Association president Sam Agricola said public perception of the area as a crime hotspot could have a negative effect on businesses.

“We do have our share of crime, like any other urban area and having security cameras would certainly help to deter people and prevent crime from happening,” he said.

“But even more importantly, it would enhance the perception of safety amongst traders and shoppers.”

Mr Agricola said the association had met with the council numerous times over the issue but the council had so far refused to respond to its concerns.

Council’s general manager of City Development, Leigh Harrison, said the council had met with traders over their camera campaign but said controlling crime was the responsibility of Victoria Police.

Mr Harrison said the council was investigating other initiatives to combat crime in St Albans including installing better public lighting and holding public festivals and events.

“While security cameras are one tool the police can use to investigate crime, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account when considering their success or otherwise.

“These considerations include technical performance, operational effectiveness, level of coverage, method and extent of monitoring, community acceptance and cost,” Mr Harrison said.