Port Augusta Senior Sergeant Rod Malkin has welcomed the operation of four new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and a portable unit into Port Augusta.

Eight CCTV cameras are now operational in the CBD and foreshore area.

Senior Sergeant Malkin said the four new cameras - situated in Gladstone Square, National Bank, Big W and Loudon Road - are a useful tool against crime.

“We have already successfully seen evidence that these cameras can provide, with the recent apprehension of the aggravated robberies that occurred in the CBD over the July race weekend.”

The increase has come after the Federal Government Attorney General’s Department granted more than $130,000 to Port Augusta City Council.

Governance, economic and cultural services acting director Lee Heron said the cameras had proven to be an effective tool in reducing the incidence of crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

“It is pleasing to now have eight cameras monitoring activity… which is having an impact in reducing the incidence of crime,” Mrs Heron said.

“Two of the key goals in our Strategic Plan are to ensure our community feels safe and to provide a positive and progressive image of our city and the expansion of the CCTV cameras assists in achieving those goals.”

Senior Sergeant Malkin said any strategy that assists in reducing the fear of crime in the community or can be used to detect and apprehend offenders will be supported by local police.

“But I think the public still need to be aware that the installation of cameras will not necessarily mean that crime will stop,” he said.

“People still need to be aware of dangers and look after their own safety.”