CCTV has dramatic impact on crime (From Yeovil Express)

CCTV has dramatic impact on crime

10:00am Monday 6th July 2009

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A NEW mobile CCTV camera in Crewkerne has made a big impact on crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Six weeks ago warning signs were put up and police officers started using the CCTV camera and since it began there have been no reported incidents in the area where the camera is being used. Police officers in the town are attributing this success to the presence of the signs and the camera.

The camera can be controlled remotely by using a laptop which can be up to 100 metres away. It is also easy to move, which allows officers to use the camera in response to any crime trends that emerge.

The equipment, which has been provided funded by the Mendip and South Somerset Community Safety Partnership, will be continue to be used for another six weeks when the scheme will be evaluated.

PC Jonathan Watson, beat manager for Crewkerne, said: "This camera was introduced to tackle vehicle crime and it has been incredibly effective.

“There has been a noticeable difference in the areas where the camera is used and I am confident that it will continue to make a difference. Local people have told their Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood Teams that vehicle crime is something that they want us to address and we are responding to their concerns.

"I would encourage all local people to get in touch with us and tell us what is important to them. Anyone who wants to get involved should come along to their next Partners and Communities Together meeting to help us identify the priorities to tackle in their area. As the introduction of this camera shows, the meetings do make a difference."

The couuncil’s community safety spokesman, Cllr Tony Fife, said: “These cameras give us flexibility that enable us, together, to deter crime and identify where crime is occurring and the perpetrators of those crimes.

“Clearly this is leading to a positive outcome and the local people can feel even safer in their own environment."

Jo Calvert, Mendip and South Somerset Community Safety Partnership’s research officer, said: “I would encourage all local people to get in touch with us and tell us what is important to them.

“Anyone who wants to get involved should come along to their next Partners and Communities Together meeting to help us identify the priorities to tackle in their area. As the introduction of this camera shows, the meetings do make a difference."

Anyone wanting to contact their local Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood Team should call 0845 456 7000 or click on the link in our "related articles" section. The website also provides details of PACT meetings in your area

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