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David Unwin\/Things<\/p>\n Feilding is known for its charm and elegance, but recent burglaries have worried business owners.<\/p>\n Amid a spate of burglaries, business owners have called for a dedicated taskforce to beef up security in Feilding’s central business district.<\/p>\n The idea to launch the committee was floated during a meeting held by Feilding and District Promotion (FDP) on Monday evening.<\/p>\n The committee’s role would be to help bring closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, increased patrols, well-lit streets and better parking arrangements to the CBD.<\/p>\n With stores often targeted by thieves, business owners said a new video monitoring system would be a valuable tool for tracking people and vehicles after a crime. <\/p>\n READ MORE: FDP security portfolio leader Jennie Alexander said the task force would focus on priorities such as CCTV and its funding. <\/p>\n \u201cIt was great to have the stakeholders and businesses interested in CBD safety to come and have their say [during the Monday meeting]. <\/p>\n “It’s amazing to have some businesses and police putting their hand up to be part of the group.”<\/p>\n Shilpy Arora\/Stuff<\/p>\n Manawat\u016b District Council Mayor Helen Worboys addresses the gathering of business owners at a CBD safety review meeting organized by Feilding and District Promotion at the Feilding Civic Centre.<\/p>\n Manawat\u016b District Mayor Helen Worboys attended the meeting and said the CBD needed high-quality, high-definition cameras at key points and intersections.<\/p>\n “It’s not just about having cameras. It’s to make sure we install high-powered cameras.”<\/p>\n Worboys said businesses should ensure their contact information with Feilding and District Promotion is up to date.<\/p>\n “Safety is a package of things that everyone has to be a part of.”<\/p>\n Shilpy Arora\/Stuff<\/p>\n Police representatives speak to business owners during a meeting at Feilding Civic Centre.<\/p>\n Delish Cafe owner Murray Lyons said foot patrols would give police a better chance of seeing a crime taking place, rather than driving a police car.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth the police and community patrol members do a wonderful job in Feilding.<\/p>\n “But the police can go out and do the rounds of local retailers to get an update on their concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to talk to locals who are in the town centre.”<\/p>\n About half a dozen businessmen and police officers had expressed their desire to be part of the committee.<\/p>\n They would be responsible for securing the funding and assessing the feasibility of implementing the proposed security measures.<\/p>\n In July, Stuff reported that at least five businesses and one homeowner were robbed over the weekend and the common feeling was that the police were under-resourced.<\/p>\n Feilding and District Promotion had previously explored opportunities to install CCTV in the CBD, but these projects were stalled due to cost constraints and privacy concerns.<\/p>\n
* Break in reignites call for greater police presence in Feilding
* Pest labeling of pest Feilding buildings, reputation
* He fears thieves are targeting Feilding police ‘blind spots’
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