In Cumbria, CCTV is being pushed out further, into smaller towns, five years after a first phase.
Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall says: “I often talk about ‘we not they’ and this is clear evidence of local communities working with us for a really successful solution for our people.
“This is a significant step forward in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. Unfortunately, I can’t put a cop on every street corner but this investment is a massive progression and will go a long way to improve people’s confidence. This investment comes at a time when we have increased police officer numbers by 45, as a result of increased council tax payments and are in the process of recruiting an additional 51 officers as part of the Government’s Operation Uplift initiative. CCTV will be a great additional resource in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour and will help to focus and target our officers on criminals and their activity.
“I would like to thank the town, parish and district councils for coming forward and partnering in this innovative approach that once again proves Cumbria is leading the way in using technology to keep us all safe.”
Single cameras are proposed in the villages or small towns of Brampton, Cockermouth, Kendal, Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh, Maryport, Millom, Milnthorpe; two for each of Ambleside, Penrith (for industrial estates, as requested by its business improvement district) and Keswick; three at Ulverston, and Wigton; and four in Windermere. These councils have applied and been granted funding although some councils may still need to do some procedures or processes before they are in a position to accept the grant, the PCC says. He will be providing one-off grants per camera up to £3,000.
For example, the South Lakeland cameras are being paid for by parish or town councils and South Lakeland District Council, and the PCC. Milnthorpe (where the camera is due to go into the Market Square) for example has seen ATM thefts and anti-social behaviour.
For Cumbria Police, Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery said cameras have made a real difference to policing. “The cameras have assisted officers to locate vulnerable missing people, as well as identify vehicles and individuals suspected to be involved in committing crime. CCTV footage provides officers with crucial evidence and provides key investigative opportunities.
“The Constabulary has worked with the Police and Crime Commissioner and local councils to identify those areas where investment in CCTV infrastructure will best serve to protect communities from crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Background
A first phase saw 56 cameras installed in 2015, to monitor the main towns such as the county town Carlisle; Workington and Whitehaven; Barrow and Dalton; Kendal and Penrith; with single cameras in Seaton and Maryport. It’s monitored by police at force headquarters outside Penrith. Visit https://www.cumbria.police.uk/About-Us/Department-Information/CCTV-in-Cumbria.aspx.
