Ahead of the November print issue, an item of CCTV news.
Seven CCTV cameras in Middlesbrough town centre have a sound facility, which allows operatives to give advice or intervene in incidents as they happen.
Middlesbrough’s public space CCTV in 2005 was responsible for helping net 678 offenders. CCTV was also responsible for helping locate 15 missing people. It is managed from a command centre in the bus station linked to police headquarters. Recently it was praised for its contribution to reducing crime and fear of crime in the town by Sue Peel, the Home Office’s Acting Regional Director.
What they say
Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for community safety, said: "CCTV’s in making Middlesbrough safer is now accepted by everyone. This added facility will make it more effective.
"For example, if an operative now sees someone dropping litter, they can tell them to pick it up, or if they see an incident starting to get out of hand, they can give advice that will hopefully nip it in the bud. I think that it will give people extra confidence as they go about their business and re-enforce the message that Middlesbrough is a place that is constantly thinking about community safety."
The audio cameras are all in the town centre area. It is hoped to install another three by April 2007.
