Melbourne aims to curb crime with CBD 'panic buttons'

Panic buttons have been installed across Melbourne’s CBD in an effort to boost public safety and faster feed information to first responders, including police, paramedics and firefighters.

When activated, the emergency buttons, which are set up on inner city footpaths, prompt the machine to begin filming the area and puts the user in direct contact with an emergency operator.

CCTV from the scene is fed straight back to a control centre in the city.

Melbourne city residents have welcomed the move.

“I always feel vulnerable as a woman, it doesn’t matter how old you are you always do feel unsafe,” one woman told 9NEWs.

Another local suggested the buttons would discourage crime.

“I think it’s a great deterrent, you do get a lot of idiots walking around,” he said.

However there are concerns the buttons could be misused or vandalised.

What do you think? Let us know your view on the new panic buttons by emailing contact@9news.com.au or leaving a comment below.