A community-led initiative to install CCTV cameras is expanding to northern Christchurch.

The effort follows the successful rollout of a similar system in Sovereign Palms, Kaiapoi, in 2023.

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey , speaking at a public meeting at the Belfast Bowling Club on Monday evening, said the cameras serve as a powerful deterrent to antisocial behaviour.

“We know from examples in Hurunui and Waimakariri that cameras significantly decrease antisocial behaviour and play a crucial role in tracking vehicle movements after incidents,” he said.

The initiative was sparked by Charlotte Gavin, chair of the Belfast Area Residents’ Association, who approached Doocey to explore implementing CCTV in the area.

Gavin has already secured support from local businesses to fund the hardware and has been working closely with the police, Community Patrol North Canterbury, and Ken Eccles, a key figure in establishing community-led CCTV networks across the South Island. All attended the Monday meeting to endorse the project.

Gavin reported that a portable CCTV camera in Belfast over the past 12 months has eliminated police callouts for antisocial road user behaviour, with burnout areas abandoned.

“We have been proud to give the streets back into the control of our community, reducing residents’ stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep while providing a clear pathway to care for each other,” she said.

The initiative aims to enhance community safety and make Belfast “the most desirable place to call home in Christchurch, one initiative at a time,” Gavin added.