by Mat Churchill

More than a 120 people voted on Newport's poll which posed the question "Should Port Douglas have CCTV to maintain the safe environment it is famous for?"

And three out of four people agree that the installation of CCTV cameras in the known hotspots of Macrossan and Grant Streets would reduce the instances of crimes such as vandalism, assault, and public nuisance.

We received a number of comments on the issue including this from an anonymous reader, "'l'll bet most people would be surprised to find out how big the numbers violent encounters, especially premeditated, there really could be.

"I wonder how many locals have suffered attacks and vandalism without reporting it. If there is a camera, then it takes the responsibility off the victims, and gives irrefutable evidence directly to the police."

But not all were in support of the proposal, "The only method (to deter offenders) is to have a visible police force…..Obviously, if the police are out and driving around, there is less opportunity for these alcoholics to cause trouble." said Gary H.

Leigh Marriott of Port Douglas Police said cameras would be an important tool in their investigations, "There are enough instances in town to warrant CCTV, and we often encourage local businesses to install their own cameras."

Cr Julia Leu said she would need to be convinced the cameras were really needed in town before giving her support to the scheme and committing rate payers money.