Over recent years we have seen growth in Closed Circuit Television, and more and more often you will find that a camera is able to see you as you walk through town centres, car parks, shopping precincts and parks. This is no different for the people who live in, work in, and visit Burton and Uttoxeter Town centres, as CCTV is a key tool used by the Council and its partners to reduce crime and disorder, and improve the feeling of safety as you enjoy our towns.
East Staffs Borough Council has operated a CCTV scheme since 1995, and currently owns around 40 CCTV cameras in Burton and Uttoxeter Town Centres which are monitored from the Town Centre Control Suite. The first cameras were placed in town centre car parks, and contributed towards the dramatic reductions in vehicle crime. Since then, the scheme has expanded to cover many of the busiest shopping streets, park areas, and bars and restaurants in the town. The operators in the Control Suite work closely with Staffordshire Police and Burton Town Centre Management, and have radio links with the retail radio and pub watch schemes. The scheme is evaluated annually, to ensure that it continues to be a useful tool in tackling crime and disorder.
As well as town centre cameras, the Council also owns mobile CCTV cameras, which are a useful tool for detecting and deterring offences such as anti social behaviour, fly-tipping, and criminal damage, in ‘hotspot’ locations, all around the Borough. The locations of these cameras are decided by the community safety partnership, using crime statistics and knowledge of the Police, Community Wardens, and other partners.
ESBC recognises the importance of data protection and civil liberties. The operation of the scheme is governed by a Code of Practice, and all our camera operators are required to have an SIA Public Space Surveillance Licence. Before any type of CCTV camera is used, whether a new camera in the town centre, or a mobile camera in a fly tipping hotspot, the Council and its partners give very careful consideration to the other tools that are available for resolving the problem. More often than not, CCTV cameras are used after a number of other methods have been tried but proved unsuccessful.
This service is managed by Cheryl Maxim
He can be contacted on (01283) 508037 or
by email at cheryl.maxim@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk