Harassment returns as CCTV cameras removed
By Quan Yin, Karen Ng | Posted: 14 June 2012 2022 hrs
SINGAPORE: Some residents in Punggol are unhappy because three closed circuit television cameras installed in their common area have been removed, resulting in a resurgence of harassment cases.
The cameras were put in the common area last July to deter loanshark harassment cases.
After the installation of the CCTV cameras, the harassment stopped, and the cameras were subsequently removed.
Soon after, however, the harassment returned.
A Punggol resident, who wanted to be known as Mrs Lee, found that she was unable to open her mailbox because someone had poured glue and lime plaster into the keyhole.
It is not the first time this has happened, and other residents have also complained to authorities.
"(The police) told us that the CCTV cameras had already been removed, so they were not able to catch the person (responsible for this)," said Mrs Lee.
Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, police said due to resource constraints, they will have to prioritise the deployment of CCTV cameras.
Police added portable CCTV cameras are moved from one location to another, when the situation calls for it.
They added that the public can also do its part by forming neighbourhood watch groups to act as the extra "eyes and ears" of the police.
- CNA/cc
