Graphic images of crimes being committed in Shropshire town centres have been screened at a county conference.

The 90 delegates yesterday saw CCTV footage that included a stabbing, drugs taking, and alcohol-fuelled fights. The conference was organised by Shropshire County Council, to look at the current CCTV systems in the five districts and boroughs and how they might be integrated.

Crimes captured on camera were shown to highlight the benefits of using CCTV, such as helping to deter incidents or bring offenders before the courts.

Speakers at the event at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury,included police inspectors Jim Stafford of Oswestry and Sarah Wagstaff of North Shropshire, and Colin Murphy from the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership.

There were presentations too from the Siemens and Lexicon companies, and workshops gave delegates the opportunity to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the current systems.

The conference, which looked at ways the five district and borough councils could integrate their systems from April, when the unitary authority is established, was chaired by Dr Grahame James, head of the county council’s community safety team. He said that CCTV was proving of value in Shropshire.

“It is a controversial subject and there is talk of Big Brother but the cameras are in public spaces and people have the right to feel safe and be protected in these spaces,” said Dr James.

He said it would be a big challenge to bring all the systems together.

“There are issues about such things as data protection, standards, funding and sustainability, and who operates CCTV.

“For example Oswestry relies on volunteers while in Shrewsbury there is an accredited staff.

“There are issues too about the cameras. Some are nearly obsolete and others are new.”

Last week Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and Telford & Wrekin Council unveiled plans for 60 CCTV cameras to be monitored in the two towns as part of a £260,000 investment.

They will be monitored from a revamped control centre in Shrewsbury.

* Conference organisers said they were unable to release the images due to Data Protection Act obligations.

By Dave Morris