The city council has received $52,843 in state government funding for new CCTV cameras for its Counter Vandalism and Hoon Behaviour project.

The project aims to improve safety and encourage more people to use public spaces in Warrnambool and help cut down on crime.

It comes after three P-platers were fined $3500 in Warrnambool Magistrates Court this month for pouring oil on a Viaduct Road speed bump to encourage hoon driving .

The cameras will be installed in “hotspot locations” along Warrnambool’s popular foreshore precinct.

Mayor Robert Anderson said the council was pleased to be working in partnership with police on the community safety initiative.

“The police have identified the three sites where the new cameras will be installed: Viaduct Road, the Pavilion and the area of the foreshore where the summer carnival is situated,” Cr Anderson said.

“This will be a good outcome for residents and visitors as police have advised that the cameras do act as a deterrent and have also assisted when evidence of offences has been presented in court cases.”

He thanked the state government for recognising “the value of the council’s submission for funding”.

Warrnambool has 10 CCTV cameras in the central business district, which were installed in 2014. They are monitored by the police. 

Senior Sergeant Shane Keogh said the installation of cameras was about being proactive to prevent offences occurring.

“In Warrnambool we have seen reports, especially assaults, reduced by 35 per cent in the particular areas where there are CCTV cameras,” he said. 

“With the foreshore area we are looking for the same security for the community. It’s a busy thoroughfare and in the past we have had a number of vehicles engaging in hoon behaviour.

“That will be a focus. We have people driving vehicles who have been injured and others injured. They (the CCTV cameras) will be utilised for evidence. These people cause danger to everyone.”