CCTV camera systems installed in south Belfast

South Belfast has gained three new CCTV security systems thanks to a funding partnership between the police and local businesses.

The security cameras, which cost a total of £57,000, are located at Malone Road and Wellington Park, Botanic Avenue and University Street, Stranmillis Road and Chlorine Gardens.

A police spokesperson said that this was the first time within the Belfast area that that police and local businesses had co-operated in the installation of CCTV security cameras. The aim of the partnership security scheme is to help reduce a rise in violent crime in the University area.

PSNI Inspector Keith Gilchrist said: "I would like to pay tribute to those businesses who helped to contribute to the scheme. I am convinced that the scheme will help to keep south Belfast safer for both business and pleasure."

He said that while the cameras would not replace police on the ground, they would be a "tremendous assistance" in policing crime and public order hotspots.

The cameras are to be monitored 24 hours a day.

Wellington Park Hotel, Wine Inns and Botanic Inns helped to pay for the camera on the Malone Road. While traders in the Stranmillis area assisted in paying for the camera installed there, Renshaw's and Duke's Hotel, along with other businesses in the area, helped to pay for the Botanic Avenue installation.

Inspector Gilchrist added that the scheme was a "great example of what could be achieved by police and businesses act in effective partnership in tackling crime".

(SP)