250 new CCTV cameras to monitor Telford
Two hundred and fifty CCTV cameras are to be installed across Telford & Wrekin which will beam footage wirelessly to a new police suite.
The new camera network will cost more than £440,000 and will include improved HD cameras that allow police to access footage immediately.
Mobile cameras will also be sent to crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots to collect evidence and help secure convictions in court.
Telford & Wrekin Council is to invest £200,000 and the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion £245,000 into the scheme, which is due to go live in the borough later this year.
Councillors welcomed the news, saying the upgrade would cost less to run by using a secure wireless network instead of fibre optic cables.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for enforcement, said: “Our current network of CCTV cameras is expensive to run, some cameras need to be repaired or replaced and the footage, which is stored in a number of different buildings, is difficult to access.
“Those locations have IT systems that are incompatible with each other. The current system we have is almost impossible to monitor live.
“As a result of this investment, we will be able to repair, replace and upgrade cameras using a secure wireless network that will allow for more in the future.
Monitored
“The cameras will be monitored live and the footage will be easier to access when we need to use it as evidence.
“As well as being much, much better than what we currently have, this upgrade will bring about many benefits, including less maintenance and, with it, reduced running costs.
“The safety of the public we service is our priority.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I am pleased to support the delivery of a more effective, efficient and sustainable network for Telford & Wrekin.
“CCTV has a significant role to play in both providing a visible deterrent to crime, and securing vital evidence where crime does occur.
“It is entirely sensible that our police have live access to local CCTV footage. That hasn’t been the case up to now.
“This investment will help our police better understand ongoing incidents, and provide the best possible response.”
