Newly installed cameras bring safety to our town

New cameras will be installed in Gradham town centre in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and boost community safety.

The ten high-resolution cameras will bring a greater level of security to Gradham, in the Oveston district, where there have been increased levels of drug dealing, violence and rowdyism.

Andrew Slator, chairman of Gradham Chamber of Trade, said: “ Town centre crime in Gradham has been of increasing concern over the past couple of years. We have been pushing for some time to get these cameras installed and we are delighted they will be up and running this week.

“We have been plagued by young hoodies and gangs of shoplifters and we hope the cameras will help deter and detect the culprits, who have been costing traders a great deal of money.”

The new system will be used in conjunction with the police. During the day the cameras an alert control room staff to shoplifters, anti-social behaviour, or triggering an immediate response from the Council's Neighbourhood Patrollers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

It can also make sure local residents' life safety, pick up on things such as lone females walking on her own at night, as well spotting accidents and arranging rescuing action.

Chief Superintendent Francis Collison, Divisional Commander, Oveston Police, said: “Throughout the district about 90 arrest are being made every month using CCTV.

“We expect the rate of arrest in Gradham town centre to go up as a result of the new cameras – so troublemakers, drug dealer and criminals should be warned.”

Neal Simmonds, Oveston Council's CCTV controllers, said: “The CCTV system will only be used to enhance community safety, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and deter anti-social behaviour.

“The residents of Gradham need have no fear that Big Brother is watching them and there will be no intrusion into their private lives.”

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