CCTV’s key role in fight against crime

2:00pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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FOUR CCTV cameras installed in Bewdley to help reduce crime in the town are proving successful, according to Wyre Forest District Council.

They were put in a year ago to cover Load Street, Severnside North and South, Gardeners Meadow and Dog Lane car park, at a cost of about £80,000.

Between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008 there have been 198 incidents picked up by the cameras, including 66 of anti-social behaviour, 28 assaults and five drink-related offences.

Similar success has also been reported in Stourport, with cameras located in Tan Lane, Lombard Street, High Street, New Street and York Street.

Cameras have also recently been installed on the Bridge Inn, covering the lower Bridge Street area and on the Martins Way car park. They cost about £120,000.

Conservative councillor, Nathan Desmond, the district council’s cabinet member for community and corporate services, said: “Our intentions from the outset were that the new cameras would help reduce crime and make people feel safer when they are out and about.

“The council has delivered on its commitment to provide CCTV cameras in Bewdley and Stourport and we will continue to work hard to help reduce crime and the fear of crime in the area.

“These cameras, together with seven in Kidderminster, will, hopefully, act as a deterrent to any would-be criminals and make Wyre Forest a safer place for the public to live work and visit.”