‘Talking CCTV’ idea dismissed (From News Shopper)

‘Talking CCTV’ idea dismissed

10:07am Tuesday 10th April 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

NEW talking CCTV cameras will not be coming to the area and have been dismissed as a "gimmick" by a council leader.

The cameras issue verbal warnings from their operator to people dropping litter or committing anti-social behaviour.

A scheme has been tested in Middlesbrough and the Home Office is planning to roll them out across 20 more areas.

However, there are currently no plans to introduce the equipment into Dartford or Gravesham.

Leader of Dartford Council, Councillor Jeremy Kite, said: "We don't tend to go for gimmicks, we go for enforcement.

"CCTV is a really good device but without people on the streets, it does not work."

He says the council is trying to put more officers on the street instead.

Cllr Kite said: "I don't think it should be necessary for people to be talked at by a camera.

"The novelty will soon wear off if people realise it's not backed up with arrests."

Councillor John Burden, leader of Gravesham Council, says he is not looking to install the new cameras either.

He said: "We are trying to educate people not to act in this way in the first place."

Mr Burden says the council will continue installing old-style CCTV cameras and are relying on wardens to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

Brian Qualey, vice-chairman of Temple Hill Residents' Assocation, says the current cameras in his area have little effect on those who behave anti-socially.

He said: "The troublemakers know where the cameras are and they avoid them."

Mr Qualey says the problems in Temple Hill have a lot to do with lack of community spirit and cannot be solved by such measures.

However, he dismisses criticism people should be worried about a Big Brother' society.

He said: "The only people who have got problems are those who are doing things they shouldn't be."

• Nearly three quarters of News Shopper readers would be in favour of 'talking' CCTV cameras.

In an online poll, 71 per cent of people were in favour of the idea, with just 29 per cent againat.