CCTV expansion in Northern Ireland

The government has announced that it will be spending £2m on 14 new CCTV schemes across Northern Ireland. The investment will consist of an additional 87 cameras that it is hoped will make communities safer from anti-social behaviour.

The money was allocated to the winners of the CCTV Challenge Fund competition. Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said: “This investment in 14 towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland will target areas where there have been problems with crime and anti-social behaviour. The message being sent out today is very clear. We will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted if you take part in this activity.”

Assistant Chief Constable for Rural Region Judith Gillespie welcomed the expansion of town centre CCTV systems: “CCTV has proven to be an extremely effective tool in the prevention and detection of crime. It assists police in responding quickly and appropriately to developing situations, as well as providing vital evidence in a large number of crime investigations every year.

“CCTV is one example of how partnership initiatives work and can provide reassurance for people living, working, and visiting towns and cities right across Northern Ireland. This has to be welcomed by everybody.”

Policing Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said: “Creating a safer community is a challenge for us all, and CCTV can play an important role in overcoming that challenge.

“People often feel safer in the knowledge that CCTV is being operated effectively in the areas within which they live and work. It can act as a deterrent to those who are minded to commit crime and effective use of CCTV footage can also help the police in making arrests. Anything that contributes to a reduction in crime or the fear of crime should be welcomed.”