That’s the question Warrnambool City Council is asking as it reviews the use of closed circuit television cameras in the central business district.

It’s safe to assume we would feel more comfortable in Liebig Street than, say, Bourke Street in Melbourne.

But that’s not to say we should roam carefree in the CBD after dark.

This week the council launched a survey seeking residents’ views on safety in the streets.

The initiative comes three years after a residents’ survey found a high level of support for CCTV cameras.

That survey played a significant role in the council and police having nine CCTV cameras installed at various points in the CBD 18 months ago.

A 10^th camera has since been added to the new, safe taxi rank in Gilles Street.

Before their introduction, every violent assault or robbery prompted questions about why cameras weren’t installed.

The cost of the equipment, how and who would monitor them and concerns about invading people’s privacy were cited as stumbling blocks.

But this week the council and police revealed footage had been used in 21 different prosecutions in the past 18 months. That’s more than one every month.

The $214,000 outlay has been a good investment.

Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows the number of disorderly and offensive behaviour incidents in Warrnambool has almost halved between 2012 and 2016.

While those numbers are open to interpretation, CCTV cameras in  the least are a deterrent.

They also help create a safer atmosphere, which is important for residents and tourists and, in turn, businesses.

The planned streetscape changes in the CBD across the next two years are expected to deliver more people into the area, heightening the importance of CCTV cameras.

Police have many examples where the cameras have helped them – not only in apprehension but prevention.

In one instance, an intoxicated man was spotted asleep on a bench in Liebig Street with valuables unsecured. Real-time monitoring meant police assisted the man and averted any incidents.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Installing CCTV cameras is money well spent.