A fed-up Melbourne homeowner is locked in a fight with council after spending more than $100,000 to secure his property following a brazen crime at his home.
Will Henderson has transformed his Brighton house into a fortress complete with high-tech cameras already helping police track teenage criminals, but local bureaucrats want them removed.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Homeowner’s fortress cameras under council fire.
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Henderson became a victim when a masked thief targeted his property.
“The guy came with a mask, he had woollen gloves on,” he said.
“He put tape over the security cameras and they were able to override all the security in the car and disable the GPS tracking that was built into the car.”
The Bayside father’s concerns extend beyond property theft.
“You worry that if they did come into your house with a knife and, you know, if they did wake up your children, imagine what effect that would have on them,” he said.
Henderson has made multiple security upgrades to his home, installing prison-grade glass and spikes.
“I feel a lot safer now,” Henderson said.
But it’s his camera system that’s proving controversial with Bayside Council, which claims they’re illegal.
The setup includes an antenna which improves garage door security by using a radio frequency thieves can’t hack, along with mounted cameras featuring numberplate recognition technology.
Under the Telecommunications Act, cameras are allowed to be installed on antenna masts.
Police are already using security vision from the cameras to track suspected thieves who stole three cars from residents in a neighbouring street in the early hours of yesterday morning.
“Why are people going to extremes to protect their homes? Because we’re seeing extreme crimes,” one supporter said.
Neighbours have welcomed the security measures.
“He’s just trying to protect his home. He’s just trying to protect his family,” one resident said.
“I’m glad they are here because we have such a high crime (rate) right now, especially in our area.”
Bayside Council says it’s investigating a complaint about the cameras.
