The cameras are a high-tech piece of equipment which can be mounted on to specially adapted lamp posts throughout the area or installed into property on a tripod.
Over the past twelve months numerous lamp posts across the area have been adapted and in the coming twelve months a further mapping exercise will be carried out to ensure that as much of the WMNT area as possible can be covered by this rapid reaction service.
Key successes include:
- The collection of evidence leading to the arrest of a woman who had targeted an elderly resident, causing criminal damage to his property.
- A bag slasher captured on film raiding black rubbish bags which had been placed outside by residents for collection by the refuse service. Following complaints from residents a camera was deployed overlooking a green belt area and evidence was obtained of anti-social behaviour. This resulted in warning letters and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts being issued to prevent further escalation of the behaviour. Information gathered was also passed to Youth Outreach Workers who are now engaging with the young people in an attempt to deter them from crime and anti-social behaviour and to keep them form entering the criminal justice system.
- Cameras supplied to the police for live monitoring operations and to gather evidence against drug activity in the area