Bring on the CCTV, assaulted man says
A man who was recently attacked at a bar in downtown St. John's says closed-circuit television cameras can't come to George Street soon enough.
Bob Johnston, the incoming chief of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, said earlier this week the force is committed to installing a CCTV system on the popular strip of bars and clubs, to both curb crime and help with investigations.
Bill Kavanagh, who was punched at a George Street bar on a weekend night four weeks ago, said RNC investigators have told him that the lack of surveillance video is hampering their efforts to find the assailant.
"A couple of girls, who were nearby, had witnessed him after I hit the floor, kick me in the forehead, while I was unconscious," Kavanagh said in an interview.
Even with witnesses, though, Kavanagh said the RNC investigation has not been able to go far.
Kavanagh, who was treated by a doctor for cuts to his head, said cameras on the street might have given police something to go on.
"A big issue that the officer, the investigating officer, mentioned was that there was no surveillance video," he said. "So, basically, the case is closed at the moment."
The bar where the attack occurred also did not have security cameras.
Kavanagh, an employee of Memorial University, said he used to enjoy going downtown, but told CBC News that it no longer holds the same appeal.
Meanwhile, a member of St. John's city council says problems on George Street have been mounting for years, and that cameras may help address them.
"I know that myself, as a woman, I wouldn't be travelling on George Street into the wee hours because there safety issues," Coun. Sheilagh O'Leary said in an interview.
"[There are] safety issues about violence but we are also seeing a lot of heavy drug use on George Street as well," she said.
Council and downtown merchants have been developing a plan to make George Street a more family-oriented place during the day, and safer at night. Options in the plan include wider sidewalks and improved lighting.