In a sign that the Government is still in the business of giving grants for public space CCTV, the Home Office has given œ169,000 for more cameras at Westminster and an expansion of the Westminster CCTV Control Centre.
The cash will go on three new CCTV cameras – two to cover Trafalgar Square and one to cover Villiers Street at Embankment Tube station. The 17 cameras monitored at Marylebone Police station will transfer to the Westminster control centre, in the Trocadero, bringing the total of cameras monitored there to 53. The control centre, operational since July 2002, has a dedicated radio communications linked with police, street wardens and partner organisations such as retailers. Annual revenue costs of œ500,000 are met by Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police and businesses.
What they say
John Denham, Home Office Minister, said: ?The CCTV project based in the Trocadero is a powerful example of the community working together to address local crime issues. Street crime in Westminster has been reduced by 27 per cent and the CCTV centre has played an important part in catching and deterring criminals in the area. Although the CCTV centre has been in operation for only four months, it is already producing real results. It has assisted the police in the West End collecting evidence in physical and sexual assault cases, smuggling, illegal street traders, organised criminal activity, as well as helping with intelligence gathering activities, street management and counter terrorism activities. CCTV is an effective crime prevention tool, especially when used within a wider package of measures, and makes a significant contribution to detecting crime, convicting criminals and reducing the fear of crime.? Mr Denham went on to claim that the Government is making a real impact in tackling crime, saying that since 1997 Labour has cut crime across England and Wales by 22 per cent, and reduced street crime by 16 per cent in the 10 police force areas, since the start of the street crime initiative. Councillor Alan Bradley, Cabinet Member for Community Protection at Westminster City Council said: ?The Westminster CCTV Scheme is proving itself in the way it is helping to tackle crime and disorder. Between July and October this year the CCTV operators noted 1,200 incidents including violent crime, drunkenness, illegal street trading and disorder. In some cases this has led to immediate arrest and court appearances backed up by first class filmed evidence. The system also supports the council’s enforcement and warden schemes in their clampdown on anti-social behaviour.? Visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk
