Does CCTV help prevent crime, and is it a worthwhile investment? Across Australia, an increasing number of households are adopting CCTV for enhanced security. A recent survey shows that one in six homes have CCTVs and only five percent don’t have any security measures at all.
The two main reasons people want CCTVs is to prevent being victimised by crime and wanting to catch it underway. So, we will see the crime situation in Western Australia, and what the data says about the role of CCTV on crime.
Crime Rate in Western Australia
Crime in Western Australia declined from 287,816 cases in 2019 to 238,168 in 2020, largely due to pandemic-related restrictions.
Since then, offences steadily increased to a record high of 292,605 in 2024. Threatening behaviours (family and strangers) registered the biggest jump, almost doubling in rate in 2024. Threats and first-time sexual offences also rose.
Robbery cases peaked at 1,804 in 2023 before decreasing to 1,658 in 2024.
The region had 1,263 cases of robberies in 2020 and registered 1,658 in 2024. Overall, offences against persons rose from 51,985 (2020) to 75,984 (2024).
Crimes against property, such as burglaries, theft, stealing of motor vehicles, property damage, and arson rose from 111,395 to 133,439.
Cases of arson and property damage registered the biggest jumps. Burglaries, stolen cars, and theft rose to a record high in 2023 and then slightly lowered down in 2024.
One interesting aspect of crime records in Western Australia is the detected offences, which are cases that were evidenced by electronic transactions and video footage such as CCTVs. After reaching a low in 2022 with just 26,910 cases, it rose to 36,744 in 2024.
From the record-lows during the pandemic lockdown, offences have steadily increased but the good news is that it’s not a runaway or uncontrolled situation.
What Can CCTV Do to Prevent Crime? A Data-Driven Analysis
We’re lucky to find accurate data (from the Australian Institute of Criminology) about the impact of CCTV use on crimes. One study on New South Wales showed that CCTV helped the police improve clearance rates of crimes by up to 20 percent.
A study on CCTV in rail networks found that 90% of investigators requested footage when available, and two-thirds considered it valuable despite occasional issues with image quality and coverage.
The police are more likely to request CCTV footage in places with high crime rates. A study on police detainees’ perspectives found that CCTV was effective in reducing crime, particularly violent offenses. For some, the presence of CCTV deterred them from committing crime, although detainees were more likely to carry out their intended behaviours regardless of CCTV like covering their faces and turning away from cameras.
Get Professionally-Done CCTV Systems for Crime Prevention
So, data shows that CCTV has an impact on crimes and could be a useful measure against rising crime rates. More and more public spaces are being covered by CCTV systems, and it does work as a deterrence to potential offenders from criminal activity. People also feel more safe in places that have CCTV cameras.
Recent data showed that CCTV footage helps with detection, investigation and prosecution of offenders. And they prove their worth in places with higher crime rates, where they can help reduce crime in car parks, vehicle, property or drug crime, and in residential areas.
In summary, CCTV is an effective tool for crime prevention, helping to protect both individuals and property. Ensure optimal security with high-quality CCTV systems professionally installed by Rapid Alarms. Our expert team will help you maximize coverage, enhance image clarity, and comply with security best practices. We have premium cameras at affordable prices, and we utilise the best qualities and viewing angles of our CCTV cameras to meet your security needs.
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Sources
Aussies ramp up home security, but one in five still don’t lock doors. Sydney Morning Herald https://www.smh.com.au/property/living/aussies-ramp-up-home-security-but-one-in-five-still-don-t-lock-doors-20220217-p59xgp.html
Crime statistics. Government of Western Australia https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/western-australia-police-force/crime-statistics
Does CCTV help police solve crime? Australian Institute of Criminology. https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi576
Police use of CCTV on the rail network. Australian Institute of Criminology. https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi561
How do police use CCTV footage in criminal investigations? Australian Institute of Criminology. https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi575
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in public places can be an effective crime prevention tool. Community Crime Prevention-Victoria. https://www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/resources/cctv
Updated findings on the impact of CCTV for crime prevention. Community Crime Prevention-Victoria. https://www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/resources/cctv/updated-findings-on-the-impact-of-cctv-for-crime-prevention
