|
CCTV proves a success tackling street crime |
|
CCTV
cameras operating in Huntingdonshire are making a valuable contribution towards
tackling crime.
That's according to figures just released which indicate almost
2,000 incidents were captured on film. During 2004, the scheme, which is operated
by Huntingdonshire District Council through the district-wide Community Safety
Partnership, captured 1,953 incidents of various types including shop theft and
anti-social behaviour. From those incidents, police were able to make 311 arrests.
The staff, who operate the hidden
cameras, were also involved in a large number of missing person searches.
Already 2005 looks set to continue the trend as figures for January show 28 arrests
made from 120 incidents. The scheme has 94 cameras operating round the clock every
day of the year and covers the town centres and district council controlled car
parks of Huntingdon, Godmanchester, Ramsey, St Ives and St Neots. It also covers
the Huntingdon, St Ives and St Neots leisure centres operated by the district
council, as well as Mayfields Road and Sapley Square shopping areas and part of
the St Peters Road industrial estate in Huntingdon. The council also has a mobile
CCTV unit, purchased last year, which can be taken to any location within the
district and is proving a valuable extra 'tool' in the fight against crime and
anti-social behaviour. Staffing levels have also increased from two to three operators
per shift to meet the increase in the number of cameras being monitored. On learning
of the latest statistics, Coun Deborah Reynolds, executive councillor for community
safety, said: "I am delighted the district council's CCTV scheme has made such
a valuable contribution in tackling crime and disorder in our district. "This
is a fine example of good partnership working between our hard-working CCTV team
and the local constabulary." from CEN
News |
