Stacey Kirmos said that since 160 security cameras were installed in Ipswich CBD in Queensland 14 years ago, crimes such as break and enters, graffiti, robberies at ATMs, car thefts and serious assaults had "virtually vanished."

Mr Kirmos has offered to come to Maitland to brief councillors on security cameras after he heard of the brazen theft of a computer modem and router from John Lee's shop in High Street on Tuesday.

Mr Lee said the items were valued at about $200, but they would take about a week to replace, and left his internet cafe unable to function for that time.

The theft-plagued businessman renewed his call for security cameras to be installed in the Heritage Mall.

Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said the Ipswich security advisor would be welcome to this city to brief councillors.

"Mr Kirmos has made a wonderful offer and I am certain we would listen to what he has to tell us about security cameras in Ipswich," Mr Blackmore said.

"But there are questions we need to know: who will monitor the cameras, who will pay for them and what is the quality of the images?"

Roger Stephan, the executive manager of marketing and business strategy at Maitland council, poured cold water on the "generous offer of Ipswich to be paid to come here and tell us how to do it."

Mr Stephan said: "Council's view, supported by police the last time it was discussed with them, is that CCTV is not a favoured option.

"I wonder how our community might respond to Ipswich's 160 monitored cameras and the expense involved?"

He said the matter would not be referred to the council's CBD Marketing Office or CBD Marketing Advisory Group, but added: "The council as a whole will, I am sure, again take the matter on board."

But Mr Lee invited Mr Stephan and all those "dragging their heels" over security cameras to "walk a mile in the shopkeepers' shoes."

"The council condemns something it has not even tried and that seems to be working brilliantly in Ipswich," Mr Lee said.

"I am sure the people who criticise cameras in the mall have never had their fences or windows kicked in or property stolen," he said.

"We must ask ourselves: if security cameras work so well in other areas, how can we scrap the idea before we even try it?"