The issue of public video surveillance is fraught with questions surrounding privacy and Big Brother government, however, some situations seem made for this particular anti-crime measure.
Most recently in Abbotsford, video cameras were used in the neighbourhood of the notorious Bacon brothers’ family. Public safety was cited as the justification.
While there was some concern expressed by more liberal thinkers, the overall public response was muted, if not outright accepting.
It seems there is at least one other situation in this community which would be equally good reason for the police to use video surveillance.
Earlier this summer, vandals struck Berry Park. They snapped young trees, broke fences, and ripped down basketball nets.
Local residents, some of whom are dog-walkers belonging to an informal group calling themselves the “Woof Pack,” reported the incidents to the police, pointing the finger at a gang of teenagers.
A clean-up of the park, and police attention improved the situation.
However, the vandals are back – this time with spray-painted death threats against the Woof Pack members.
It may be teen bombast, but it cannot be tolerated.
This group of punks, who go by “The Jeremy Gang,” need to be identified as quickly as possible, and charged.
One of the most effective ways of achieving that may be to place video cameras in the park. Technology exists to record images even in the dark.
If the louts show up again, they’re caught. If they’re scared off, as cowards usually are, then the problem is also solved, until it crops up elsewhere.
Then move the cameras there.
We need to invade the privacy of these miscreants.