Anti-Social Behaviour Brings More CCTV to Spelthorne.
By StaineSiobhan | Sunday, November 28, 2010, 00:12
New CCTV cameras are to be installed in two locations in Spelthorne in a bid to reduce anti social behaviour.
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Do we need more CCTV in Spelthorne?
Cameras are being installed at the rear of the shops and flats in the Parade, Sunbury to tackle anti social behaviour and fly tipping in the area. The scheme has been funded as part of the Sunbury Cross Regeneration Project and will provide a new camera linked to the Council’s broadband monitoring network.
An enhanced CCTV camera is also to be provided in the park adjacent to the Greeno Centre, Shepperton which will provide improved quality images using infra red images. The adjoining day centre and children’s play area have suffered criminal damage and anti-social behaviour and the upgrade is part of a package of measures which includes regular Police patrols.
The cost of the upgrade is being met by contributions from the Shepperton Residents Association, Ward Councillors, Shepperton’s County Councillor and the Spelthorne Safer Stronger Partnership.
Finally, in Sunbury, the CCTV system serving the shops in The Avenue, the Walled Garden car park and the car park opposite the shops, is to be updated. The cost is being met by contributions from the traders and the Safer Stronger Partnership.
Councillor Frank Ayers, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “Community Safety is a key priority for the Council and the Safer, Stronger Partnership. CCTV remains one of the most effective tools to protect the public and tackle anti social behaviour. We are delighted to be able to make these improvements, working in partnership with local residents, traders and elected representatives – who all recognise the effectiveness of these local systems.”
What's your view? Does CCTV prevent crime in your area? Do you think we need more CCTV cameras to keep us safe, or do you think there are already too many cameras watching your every move? Do you think funds would be better spent on other measures - maybe youth programmes that give kids something to do or teach them a better use of their time? Come and share your thoughts.
Comments
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not a fan of cameras really. I think they can be open to abuse if run by private monitors rather than the police, and I think unless people see an immediate cause and effect - the behaviour is viewed by the cameras / the police turn up to deal with the perpetrators - then they will be largely ignored. However I think they can be a reassurance to vulnerable people who feel threatened by anti-social behaviour.
As ever with these things I think you're right and a longer term solution would be more cost effective in the long run. You want prevention rather than cure, so someone needs to go in and work with these young people who have nothing better to do than kick up a storm on their doorsteps.
By Shiv_At_Home at 10:18 on 30/11/10
ReportIt’s very tempting to opt for cameras but sometimes I think they can be a very expensive solution to low-grade problems. If used to fight crime ie London’s Oxford Street where they are monitored to assist police on the ground and then used as evidence that’s great and what they were designed for. Here I get the feeling they are expensive deterrent devices.
Regular police patrols, leading to arrests should be used first. Anti social behaviour is rarely treated as crime these days, particularly in Surrey. It should be and then backed up by arrest and prosecution – not necessary heavy handed but making those responsible atone for their actions.
Ultimately it requires a longer term approach from the police, tasking officers to deal with it. CCTV is a quick (ish) fix that is costly, too costly in my view.
By MIKENEWS at 09:23 on 30/11/10
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