Posted on 26/07/10, filed under News | 3 Comments
Police in Goodrington in Devon have been given a boost- in the form of CCTV surveillance equipment which can see for up to a 3 mile radius.
The mobile surveillance equipment will be installed on top of a police van, and sits 10 metres above ground. It has been introduced in the hope of tackling a range of crimes- including anti-social behaviour. Areas which have been blighted with anti- social behaviour will benefit from use of the camera- which is said to have cost around £20,000.
The surveillance equipment features 2 cameras- which can span an area of 360 degrees, have night vision capabilities and can be adjusted or moved several times a day by local police officers.
Locals- many of whom have fallen victim to anti social behaviour themselves- have campaigned tirelessly for the surveillance equipment, and are thrilled that it has finally been given the thumbs up.
Local business owner Adam Nunn said:
“I am so pleased it is about to be deployed it can act as another deterrent in areas where there isn’t currently CCTV or a regular police presence.”
In addition to housing the surveillance equipment, the police van will also be able to hold those who choose to indulge in anti- social behaviour.
The force’s Inspector Mayhew explained:
“This is a 10 metre mast on a marked police van. I would hope that people will not commit antisocial behaviour where there is first class surveillance.”
Hopefully, the CCTV will go a long way in reassuring the public and keeping anti- social behaviour at bay.
Posted on 23/07/10, filed under News | No Comments
Taxi drivers in the South Ribble area of Lancashire are currently in talks over the use of gadget equipment in taxis.
In addition to provided drivers with extra peace of mind- especially during the night- it is thought that giving the police and council access to footage could also help in putting a stop to anti- social behaviour and violence in taxis.
Fare dodgers who escape the taxi without paying could also be stopped dead in their tracks through the introduction of surveillance equipment. Discussions are set to be held in the coming days, although it is thought that even if the plans do get the go-ahead, installing spy equipment UK won’t be compulsory, and taxi firms and black cab drivers will be given the choice to install it at their discretion.
A pre- meeting report states:
“The benefits of CCTV operating inside a taxi are clear in terms of providing protection for the driver and deterring passengers from decamping without paying.”
One taxi firm manager has mixed views on the proposals though, and commented that he could see the positives and negatives to installing the equipment. He said:
“From my point of view it should be up to the individuals as opposed to being a policy. They put so many regulations forward the only thing that surprises me is they don’t make us have pilot licences.
“I have even thought about it myself because I have been attacked a couple of times, but it is just expense on top of expense.”
A decision is expected to be made in the very near future.
Posted on 22/07/10, filed under News | 1 Comment
A large proportion of areas in the UK have litter problems, although councillors in Darlington hope to swiftly nip the problem in the bud through the use
of ‘speaking’ CCTV cameras.
Currently, the local council spends around a whopping £1.5 million on street cleaning, and it is hoped that the installation of the CCTV surveillance equipment will help to cut these costs considerably.
The cameras will be placed around areas of Darlington town centre, and a pre-recorded message will be played by hidden spy camera operators- which will warn potential litter bugs that they are being observed and that a fine will be issued.
Those who fail to take heed will find themselves subject to a £75 fine. Over 200 of these have already been sent out during the past 6 months alone- showing that the council really does mean business.
Local councillor, Bill Dixon, explained:
“I am sure that a vast proportion of this money could be saved if people were to take more responsibility for their rubbish and put it in the bins provided.
“Hopefully our CCTV cameras may be able to ‘talk’ some sense into the minority of town centre users who seem to think it is acceptable to drop their rubbish wherever they please.”
This isn’t the first time that speaking surveillance equipment has been used in the UK, and it has previously been utilised to stop anti social behaviour in its tracks.
