A recent string of break-ins has brought to light the inadequacy of CCTV surveillance monitoring Katherine's crime-heavy main street.
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Last week, Bendigo Bank on Katherine Terrace was targeted twice by vandals who smashed through the glass entryway and stole money.
Katherine Police were quick to call on the community to assist in locating the thieves, but it was almost impossible for anyone to identify the person involved in the latest break-in, described as a male wearing long pants and a hooded jacket.
Social media went into a virtual frenzy following a Katherine Times article, which depicted a dark and grainy CCTV picture taken at the time of the bank break-in, with community members concerned local businesses are not being protected.
"I love it how we can see the surface of the moon with modern cameras but when it comes to security cameras police might as well be looking for big foot with such poor quality footage," one person commented.
The Bendigo Bank media team declined to comment on the branch's own surveillance after the Katherine Times asked if it had CCTV.
"We won't be making any comment as this is a police matter," a Bendigo Bank spokesman said.
Crime rates climbed to an alarming 200 per cent last year, higher than any other Territory township.
At its worst, multiple break-ins on commercial businesses were being reported on a weekly basis.
The spike in crime seized police attention, which resulted in a reduction of incidents.
While shop break-ins remain more than 100 per cent higher than they were a year ago, Commander Michael Hebb, last month said, crime rates are taking a turn for the better.
The recent incidents have brought into question how police were making identifications with such poor CCTV equipment.
A mobile CCTV camera has been deployed to the location - on the corner of Katherine Terrace and Victoria Highway.
Money from the $5 million CBD Revitalisation project had been set aside for the much needed street surveillance upgrades, when first announced in July, last year.
But there has been little mention of upgrading the dated equipment since.
Instead, the architects in charge of the plan, will be focusing on more introducing shady trees, alfresco dining opportunities for the street, a decreased median strip and slowing down traffic.
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