Bexley CCTV cameras lead to increased number of arrests (From News Shopper)

Bexley CCTV cameras lead to increased number of arrests

2:46pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in Bexley By Alan Woods

INVESTMENT in CCTV cameras across Bexley has paid off as the number of arrests following CCTV monitoring has more than doubled.

In the weeks since new cameras went live in Bexley Village, the CCTV control room has already provided clear descriptions to police of suspects following an armed robbery.

Borough wide, police arrested 282 people between October 2010 and 2011 after being alerted to crime by the CCTV team – more than double the 123 arrested during the same period in the previous year.

The latest three cameras are in Crayford, which come following consultation with homeowners and businesses in the town centre.

Cabinet member for public realm and community safety Peter Craske said: “I’m delighted with the figures which show the system is repaying the investment we have made and is helping to protect the public.”

Staff monitor the cameras in the control centre around the clock and have radio links with the emergency services so they can respond to incidents as soon as they happen.