A Cambridgeshire parish has installed a new six-camera CCTV system.
With a growing population of 5500, Littleport, like many towns and cities in the UK, reports problems with antisocial behaviour and crimes such as drug use, drunkenness, harassment, theft and disorderly behaviour. With a grant from the Eastern Region Development Fund, Littleport Parish Council approached Oxford-based security installers Chris Lewis Security Services earlier this year to design and install a CCTV system for their town centre.
The wireless linked system that consists of static besides fully functional cameras with pan, tilt and zoom capability was installed in April. Although the system is not continuously monitored and cannot therefore be used to detect incidents and coordinate police responses, it has proved very effective as a deterrent of criminal and antisocial activity and in the detection of crimes, according to the parish. The images captured by the CCTV cameras show incidents taking place and have helped local police in their investigations of a number of incidents including a road traffic accident, a burglary, an assault and numerous antisocial activities.
What they say
Justin Rhodes, IT Director at Chris Lewis Security Services says: โDigital systems of this nature are a perfect fit for town centre surveillance systems. Theyโre incredibly flexible and can be expanded upon if and when required. The advanced search and motion detection capabilities enable all incidents to be pinpointed even it itโs a busy shopping centre or a high street area.โ Littleportโs system has the capability of being expanded to include a total of 16 cameras. The expansion of the system would allow known trouble spots outside of the main high street to be monitored. The parish council is considering installing cameras at the leisure centre and skate park, and other locations in the town centre.
Town comment
Paul Cox, chairman of Littleport Parish Council says: โI would recommend CCTV surveillance undoubtedly to other town and parish councils, as it has improved lawlessness in Littleport significantly and helped our police investigate a number of crimes since it has been installed.โ Traders in the town centre report feeling the impact of the new surveillance system the most. While they feel that the cameras are a crime preventative measure, the system also offers them the reassurance that should an incident take place, the culprit will be identified and the recorded footage assist in any prosecution. Henry Mann, Chairman of the Traderโs Association says: โThe business group are certainly very grateful that the Parish Council has implemented the system. Itโs something weโve been wanting for some time and the solution is certainly as good an option as we hoped for. Itโs very beneficial to traders who now have the peace of mind that should an incident take place, weโve got the footage to rely on. Iโd certainly recommend it to other towns looking to improve their security and surveillance.โ
