CCTV cameras have helped emergency services with over 400 incidents over the last three months.
From July to September this year, the 132 cameras were used 427 times to support an incident, including suspected break ins, numerous thefts and helping apprehend wanted individuals.
The CCTV system was introduced in 2022 as part of a £2.25 million overhaul to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across North East Lincolnshire. This system, along with partnership working, has helped to reduce crime by 5% in Grimsby Town centre over the previous two years.
Working in conjunction with the cameras, Council teams and partner organisations have also utilised the Days of Action and the Tannoy system to relay important messages to those visiting Grimsby town centre specifically.
Combatting criminal activity, the camera operators work in unison with emergency services to direct and advise when a crime is in progress or if they notice unusual activity.
In July, operators were involved in several incidents involving groups of youths breaking in to abandoned properties as well as helping to monitor an incident in which numerous young people were seen fighting.
In another incident, cameras captured what appeared to be someone with a suspected BB gun near Grimsby which police then responded to, recovering the item.
Throughout August, teams helped to stop a fire from growing near Queen Street in Grimsby after they spotted smoke coming from an abandoned building.
Additionally, they spotted a wanted individual who was suspected of attempting to steal a car, leading to one person being arrested.
Operators were also vital in September where, on several occasions, they helped guide police to vulnerable and missing individuals. Similarly, they played a crucial role in helping track down a man following reports of someone in possession of a knife.
Thanks to partnership working between officers and operators the man and the knife were recovered.
Councillor, Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, believes this is a step in the right direction to making the town a safer and more welcoming place. He said: “I understand that for some these incidents may come as a shock, but that is why the cameras are in place.
“We and our partners are dedicated to keeping residents safe and making sure they feel like that when going about their daily life.
“We will continue to utilise this impressive CCTV system to help apprehend those who don’t follow the law. This Council has a zero tolerance policy in regards to crime and anti-social behaviour and anyone found to be acting in such a manner will be held to account.”
He added: “We will continue to look at opportunities to enhance CCTV across North East Lincolnshire where appropriate and when required.”
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Claire Jacobs added: “We recognise the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on the local community, and we are absolutely committed to taking action and making a difference.
“The success is in the results and convictions we’ve seen over the last few months alone, and working alongside the local council as a part of #OpMastery our activity has included increasing police patrols of officers in uniform and plain clothes, deploying the proactive drugs detection dog to proactively target offending, and conducting days of action with our multi-agency colleagues to proactively tackle any reports and concerns from the community.
‘’CCTV remains a vital tool in assisting officers to establish the circumstances of incidents, identify individuals involved, and progress enquiries.
“Our work does not stop here, and we will continue to collaborate with partners and local community groups to bring all agencies together with one aim to improve the lives of the community.
“We encourage you to speak to us when you see us out and about or call us on our non-emergency number 101 to let us know about anything that is concerning you.
“Alternatively, if you would like to give information anonymously, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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