CCTV makes impact on street violence

There has been a significant reduction in incidents of serious rioting in north Belfast thanks to the installation of CCTV cameras, police in the area have revealed.

In the 12 months up to June this year interfaces in north Belfast had been the scene of some of the worst rioting in the history of the Troubles. Over that period, police recorded 174 serious riot situations in which 174 baton rounds were fired and 723 police officers injured – some seriously.

Additional resources were deployed, cameras installed and six months on, whilst there are still sporadic incidents, police report that the serious rioting which plagued the community throughout last year, has reduced considerably.

Since June this year, there have been 25 riots but these have been less serious than last year resulting in 16 police officers and two soldiers being injured and seven baton rounds fired.

A public order team has reviewed evidence from CCTV cameras and 92 people have been arrested and subsequently charged with 277 public order offences.

Local residents as well as the police have felt additional benefits of the CCTV cameras as crime in general has reduced in these areas.

Chief Superintendent Julia Lindsay-White said: "Police will continue to work in partnership with local community representatives, parents and elected representatives to dissuade those who think that violence is acceptable. With the use of CCTV it is hoped incidents of serious disorder will cease completely."

(GMcG)