CCTV has been shown to be a very effective tool in both the arrest of offenders and in the criminal justice system to assist with conviction and sentencing.

A recent incident in Richmond involved a victim who was lost and who was subsequently directed by the assailant to a secluded location where the assailant proceeded to punch and kick him and steal his jewellery. The incident was recorded on CCTV and the assailant arrested.

In respect to this incident the police commented that ‘CCTV is a vital tool to help in making the streets and surrounding area safe… and that without the CCTV they would not have identified and arrested the offender’.

In 2010 there were 28,500 victims of assault in Victoria, males accounted for 56% of victims of assault and the highest proportion of victims were aged between 25 and 34 years.

If you have been the victim of crime such as a physical assault in Victoria during the past two years and have reported the incident to the police contact Victims of Crime Counselling & Compensation Services on 1800 000 055 for assistance and advice.

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