there have been a number of cases of arson involving motorcycles in bukit panjang. the most serious was the one at gangsa road multi-storey carpark where 52 motorcycles were incinerated in october last year. it was the highest number of vehicle casualties in a single incident in 2008. many of these arson cases appear to have been committed by youngsters.
the bukit panjang-holland town council has finally gone ahead with the installation of surveillance cameras in the covered car-parks in bukit panjang. at block 541a, it does not cover all the six levels, only the lower three levels - basement, levels 1 and 2.
besides deterring arson, the cameras can also deter acts of mischief like vandalism -scratching of car bodywork - and urinating or defacating in public places. it would also be able to capture theft of cash-cards and other valuables from parked vehicles. it should be able to capture love-in-action if it takes place within the area under surveillance.
i wonder if any other interesting or scandalous going-ons will show up when they view the video captured by the surveillance cameras in the car-park.
when the residents come to realise the fringe benefits of such surveillance cameras, the three levels with cameras may become choice areas for parking. it is like having someone keeping an eye on your vehicle and should your vehicle be accidentally dented by some careless driver, there is a chance the accident may have been captured on camera.
