The vandalism will also have put a severe dent in the confidence of commuters who leave their cars in the station's car park.

Ballarat police have made a request to view V/Line's security camera footage of the car park, which may provide detectives with the clues they need to apprehend the offenders.

While police waited for that footage to arrive they viewed footage taken by a security camera at the George Hotel that proved helpful in another investigation.

It is also possible that security camera footage exists which could help police find the person who threw a firecracker from a roof near the Safeway supermarket in Eastwood St.

The value of the security footage to police will no doubt be watched with interest by the City of Ballarat officers and councillors.

Right now the council is seeking a planning permit to install a series of security cameras in the city's hotel and nightclub precinct.

The proposal will cost several thousand dollars and has the backing of some business operators in the central business district.

A widespread installation of security cameras is not a new idea.

Greater London has drawn considerable attention for its thousands of security cameras which cover goings-on in many of that city's streets, lanes and carparks.

One English police report found the cameras were effective in helping solve only three per cent of crimes - yet that is still a contribution and perhaps what is difficult to measure is the deterrant that cameras provide.

There are legitimate arguments against the use of security cameras - that they are an invasion of privacy and may serve only to displace crime.

But given the importance of the rail service to Ballarat it is critical that commuters are able to park their cars near the station and feel confident they will be undamaged on their return.

Council must ensure the new car park under construction along Doveton St is suitably illuminated so as to deter vandals.

And now is a good time for V/Line to review its security arrangements at the railway station.