This article discusses how strata committees can handle safety issues caused by a resident’s guest involved in criminal activity, focusing on police involvement, CCTV use, and dispute resolution options.
Question: What is the best way to manage safety concerns caused by a resident’s guest who engages in criminal behaviour?
A lot owner frequently has a friend stay who is dealing drugs and stolen property from the building, creating safety concerns for residents, with people arriving at all hours. The lot owner has mental health issues and receives support from workers who have confirmed the drug activity. Police are involved, and residents are documenting evidence, but the process is slow.
The committee is considering installing security cameras, but due to cost, is also exploring dummy cameras as a deterrent. Is this a good idea, or what other options exist for addressing this situation?
Answer: The best pathway to address the behaviour is involving the police, given the potentially illegal activity.
Cameras are a good way to monitor and provide additional evidence to the police in the event of an incident or a set of circumstances that you are currently experiencing. There are specific parameters to follow when using CCTV cameras in common property, and your security installer should be aware of these and provide you with relevant advice.
The Dispute Resolution process under Part 10 of the Owners Corporation Act 2006 is an option, but may not necessarily achieve the outcome you are hoping for. The best pathway to address the behaviour is involving the police, given the potentially illegal activity.
Joel Chamberlain
Horizon Strata Management Group
E: [email protected]
P: 03 9687 7788
This post appears in the October 2025 edition of The VIC Strata Magazine.
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- VIC: Q&A Nuisance and Neighbours in an Owners Corporation
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