We read the news that Norfolk County Council is looking to cut its CCTV operations,
but in a unique twist has offered up the running and maintenance of the systems
to Town Councils and community groups in a response to concerns.
Norfolk towns Cromer, Fakenham, North Walsham,
Sheringham and Wells will lose all CCTV coverage, but the County Council
described them as ‘low crime areas’.
The system has already been cut back – now monitored only 16
hours a day rather than round-the-clock, but the savings weren’t proving
effective enough.
CCTV is absolutely essential in providing a deterrent from
crime and antisocial behaviour, as well as the evidence required when crimes
are regrettably carried out. A CCTV system can be fitted to a home or business,
as well as in streets and public areas by councils.
Previous examples of cost-cutting measures to help supply
this vital service included 2010s controversial ‘Internet Eyes’ site, where
members of the public could earn money by monitoring security cameras from their
own home, and reporting any crimes as they happened. However, the scheme ran
out of money within months of going live, and as such ceased operation.
One day a system will arise that will allow cheaper monitoring
and upkeep of CCTV surveillance, such as central monitoring by trained staff
(as with our own EMCS monitored intruder alarms.)
