CCTV network expands

Friday November 6, 2009

Streets that were previously CCTV black spots are now being monitored by a raft of new cameras, thanks to the CCTV Camera sharing partnership initiative between TfL and H&F Council.

The Town Hall is now linked up to 25 Transport for London (TfL) cameras, located in areas previously designated as blind spots by the council, hence providing a better coverage by the council's control room.

This partnership - which will see the traffic monitoring cameras also used to detect crime and anti-social behaviour - brings the total number of CCTV cameras on the council's network to just under 200 and an improved working relationship between TfL and the council.

Councillor Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime and Street Scene, says: "The tie-up with TfL ensures that previously uncovered streets are now part of our extensive network."

Last month, the Police Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Hurley praised the state-of-the-art surveillance system as a major help to his officers. He said: "Criminals such as drug dealers, robbers and vandals do not like CCTV. They know the cameras make it more risky for them to carry out their selfish behaviour.

"CCTV has proven to be a real asset in helping us to identify offenders and bring them to justice."

A recent probe shows the council's camera network is capturing more than 200 incidents - and ultimately leads to more than 50 arrests - each month.

Cllr Smith concludes: "CCTV makes the criminal minority think twice about committing crime as it dramatically increases their chances of being caught and punished.

"I am positive that this extra coverage will lead to more images being generated and ultimately more convictions."