REPEATED vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the Millicent Swimming Lake and the Skate Park has prompted Wattle Range Council to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) to deter further criminal acts.
Around $15,000 of CCTV will be installed at the town’s two prominent landmarks in a desperate attempt to end the destructive and reckless behaviour.
Millicent Lakeside Caravan Park owners Jo and Derek Sparkes welcomed council’s decision, saying it was a “very good idea”.
“I think the cameras will deter people as long as they know they are there,” Mr Sparkes said.
“We have not had to deal with trouble at the caravan park, but we do see a lot of suspicious activity at the lake – mainly in the carpark.
“You get quite a few people floating about at night.
“We do not know what they are up to, but it does make us feel uneasy.
“There is only one fence down to us and we want our guests to feel safe staying here.”
Thankfully, the Sparkes are yet to experience any trouble on their property, which they put down to having the necessary security measures put in place both at the caravan park and the kiosk.
“We have not had any problems ourselves,” Mr Sparkes said.
“I believe there has been trouble at the kiosk in the past and we are mindful of that.
“It is mainly on weekends we hear people up there, particularly on a hot night when they are at the lake.
“I think the behaviour is alcohol fuelled.
“We have the security measures in place.”
Millicent resident and former Vacswim instructor Kate van Schaik said the cameras were a positive addition to the swimming lake.
“I personally think it is a great idea,” she said.
“Over the years there has been numerous counts of vandalism carried out at the lake.
“The lake is a public place for everyone and people should feel safe when they go there.
“The cameras would also be handy in the case of an emergency such as a drowning or serious accident.
“Council and police could review what happened.”
