Spy-cam shots get the nod

Source: Sunday Tasmanian

THE display of surveillance camera images of people suspected of stealing from a Tasmanian video library is not an offence, police say.

Tasmanian businesses sick and tired of losing thousands of dollars of stock to thieves, yesterday threw their support behind Video City for its actions aimed at deterring DVD thieves.

Owner Terry Ewing said he had received calls from businesses saying they may introduce similar actions to deter shoplifters.

The Mercury website was flooded with mixed reactions to the practice that may breach privacy laws. (Read original story)

Police Minister Jim Cox last night confirmed: "The Commissioner of Police has advised me that the business concerned is unlikely to have committed an offence".

After witnessing a believed theft on surveillance cameras, a still of the person is printed and posted on the shop's front counter asking customers to contact staff if they know the person.

It has been so successful, Mr Ewing said he would introduce it to other DVD libraries around the state.

The practice has outraged Labor MP Allison Ritchie who claims that as well as invading someone's privacy, some images are of youths.

She said the act placed a person on trial and Video City should not be taking the law into its own hands.

But Mr Ewing said the pictures were a deterrent.

"The use of surveillance cameras is not new -- it is everywhere. The Hobart City Council has just spent $40,000 installing cameras in Salamanca," Mr Ewing said.

"All we are doing is asking people to let us know if they recognise the person in the pictures, and if they do we will pass it onto police.

"We would be happy to sit down and speak with them if they want to return the movies, no questions asked."

Mr Ewing has admitted he is not a fan of the practice, but it has been working very well.

Website comments include several from business operators who say they are sick of "being bled dry by thieving twits" helping themselves to "five-finger discounts", and accusations that "courts are too soft when it comes to sentencing".

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Spy-cam shots get the nod

Date: 3/7/08

Author: DAMIEN BROWN

Source: Sunday Tasmanian

Call 1300 852 400 for Expert Advice, Tips and Suggestions

Security Camera Specialists for all your Home and Business Needs

Spy-cam shots get the nod

Date: 3/7/08

Author: DAMIEN BROWN

Source: Sunday Tasmanian

Security Camera
Specialists for all your
Home and Business Needs