Southern Victoria provides security camera rebates for property owners
Theft and vandalism have been an ongoing issue in the River Valley. To ensure the safety of their community, the council members of Southern Victoria have decided to take a step forward and provide a security camera rebate program for property owners.
Southern Victoria is the first municipality in New Brunswick to adopt a security camera rebate program. The village council has been discussing the program since 2023. Southern Victoria mayor Cindy McLaughlin is eager to see how the new security program will impact the village.
“We are just starting this program, so we’re just trying to see how it goes, and we’re hoping it’s a saving,” said McLaughlin.
Participants in the program will receive a suggested rebate equivalent to 15 per cent of the total purchase price, with a maximum rebate of $200. Recipients will receive their refund via cheque or directly deposited into their municipal services account. All video security systems purchased after April 1, 2024, will be eligible for the program.
The program could assist the RCMP in their investigations. The council can invite participants to voluntarily share their security footage with the RCMP to help further their research.
“We’ve seen a great initiative. We’ve seen a lot of success from a police perspective,” said Sgt. Dan Sharpe of the RCMP.
Sharpe says video surveillance can help the RCMP identify fine details, such as license plate numbers, facial features, and height and weight, which can help prosecute culprits.
McLaughlin believes crime rates are rising due to large amounts of drug addiction in the area, and people are breaking into businesses and homes to find objects to exchange or sell for money for drugs.
“I wish there were more programs out there to help people with rehabilitation. It seems like there is more of it in our area,” said McLaughlin.
The RCMP encourages home and business owners to take advantage of the rebate program and invest in security equipment to ensure safety.
“In today’s world, with the technology we have access to, I think it’s a critical piece of equipment that every community should have,” said Sharpe.
Sharpe recommends a security camera that is easy to install and operate. Sharpe suggests purchasing trustworthy, inexpensive equipment online.
Home and business owners are responsible for protecting their property. Sharpe advises people to avoid sharing on social media while away from their property for an extended period and emphasizes the importance of lighting. Properties off the main roads should have lighting that covers the whole property. Correct locks for doors and other easily accessible items are essential as well.
McLaughlin is optimistic that the security camera rebate program will help create a safe community.
“This to me, will help everybody around, keep everybody safe, and help the RCMP to be able to move further on cases,” said McLaughlin.
