Obscene acts charges prompt calls for more CCTV

Calls are growing for security camera investment in Western Australia's Kimberley region as a woman speaks out about a "distressing" experience.

Former Derby resident Maria Sandoval said she was approached in the town, more than 2,000 kilometres north of Perth, while walking her dogs at night.

Derby police later charged a 17-year-old boy with four counts of engaging in a "series of obscene acts".

Ms Sandoval said she was concerned about the same thing happening to someone else and the issue escalating.

"I got a bit distressed because I was by myself," she said.

"You feel this sensation of not being safe."

Ms Sandoval said she was sharing her story to encourage more women to report their experiences to police and to promote a safety message.

She said more CCTV cameras would help discourage people from offending in the remote town.

"I think that will be great to promote awareness in the Derby community that there are more places where recording is going on," Ms Sandoval said.

"And if something goes wrong, it will be easier to catch the perpetrators."

More investment needed

As part of its election commitments, the state government provided funding for towns across the Kimberley to buy and install 20 new security cameras.

The Shire of Derby West Kimberley received money for three new cameras in Derby and an additional three in Fitzroy Crossing.

Shire President Peter McCumstie said he welcomed the investment, but the money did not cover maintenance costs for the cameras.

"People might assume you just put a camera up and forget it,"

he said.

"Unfortunately, that's not the reality and we don't get funded to maintain them."

Mr McCumstie said maintaining the cameras would cost the shire between $20,000 and $30,000 a year.

"It's very significant … our rate base is probably a third of our overall annual budget and we struggle to make ends meet," he said.

"That money can be used much better on providing improved amenities for the community."

Essential technology

Derby police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Nathan Smith said security cameras were essential for his team, who used CCTV footage every day.

"We use them not only to resolve crime but to build intelligence, to reiterate the message around community safety," he said.

Senior Sergeant Smith said police worked closely with the shire to access CCTV footage and were supportive of its efforts advocating for more investment.

"If cameras are in the area, of good working quality and are easily accessible, it provides staff the ability to respond really fast," he said.

A government spokesperson said funding had been made available to support the purchase and installation of cameras, with any additional capital, integration, maintenance and ongoing operating costs to be met by the relevant local government.

"Local governments are made aware of this condition when applying for funding," they said.

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