Government expansion of CCTV systems

The government has today announced that it is to invest £2 million in 14 CCTV schemes throughout Northern Ireland as part of a drive to make streets, towns and cities safer for the whole community.

The investment will allow for an additional 87 cameras to be strategically placed in town centres where there are problems with crime and anti-social behaviour.

The money was allocated to the winners of the CCTV Challenge Fund competition, which were Ballymena; Bangor and Hollywood; Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart; Downpatrick and Newcastle; Enniskillen; Glengormley; Lisburn; Newry, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel; Newtownards; North Belfast; Omagh; Portadown and Lurgan.

Making the announcement, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said: “This investment in 14 towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland will target areas where there have been problems with crime and anti-social behaviour. The government is committed to tackling such problems and this additional CCTV coverage will give the public extra reassurance that they can go about their daily business with increased confidence.

“It will also give the business community additional security in the high streets throughout Northern Ireland. The message being sent out today is very clear. We will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted if you take part in this activity.”

The Minister revealed that he is also looking at other ways of using CCTV technology to tackle crime. He said: “I am exploring with the PSNI the possibility of introducing a number of mobile CCTV units in other areas and I have also commissioned a feasibility study for a CCTV scheme for Belfast City centre which I hope to make a further announcement about in the near future.”

Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said: "Creating a safer community is a challenge for us all, and CCTV can play an important role in overcoming that challenge. People often feel safer in the knowledge that CCTV is being operated effectively in the areas within which they live and work.

“CCTV can act as a deterrent to those who are minded to commit crime and effective use of CCTV footage can also help the police in making arrests. Anything that contributes to a reduction in crime or the fear of crime should be welcomed.”

Assistant Chief Constable for Urban Region Duncan McCausland and Assistant Chief Constable for Rural Region Judith Gillespie welcomed the expansion of town centre CCTV systems at the 14 locations across both regions.

"CCTV has proven to be an extremely effective tool in the prevention and detection of crime. It assists police in responding quickly and appropriately to developing situations, as well as providing vital evidence in a large number of crime investigations every year.

"Police work closely with Councils, DPPs, NIO Community Safety Partnerships, the local business community and other partner agencies to make every area in Northern Ireland safer. CCTV is one example of how partnership initiatives work and can provide reassurance for people living, working, and visiting towns and cities right across Northern Ireland. This has to be welcomed by everybody."

(EF/KMcA)