CCTV cameras have helped emergency services with over 600 incidents over the last three months and been influential in two criminals being sentenced.
Between January and March this year, the 132 cameras were used 674 times to support an incident, including suspected drink driving, numerous thefts and helping apprehend wanted individuals. Additionally, it was crucial in several court cases which saw two individuals jailed for their crimes.
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 in previous 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 January, cameras helped catch a drink driver, spotted a group attempting to steal bicycles in Cleethorpes and led police to missing person.
February and March saw much of the same when one man was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon, a wanted man apprehended and another helped by an ambulance after operators spotted him collapsed on the street.
However, it isn’t just live incidents where Humberside Police utilise the CCTV system. Often, footage is archived and produced as evidence in court during trial. In the period in question, there were two occasions where individuals were found guilty with CCTV acting as evidence.
One individual was jailed for a total of 42 months and disqualified from driving for 4 years and 9 months after having committed driving offences as well as several others.
Another person was jailed for 16 months and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge to the court after pleading guilty to various burglary offences.
Councillor James Sawkins, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “This is great partnership working between our CCTV operatives and Humberside Police.
“To play a part in ensuring justice is served for two serious incidents is something the whole team should be proud of and shows just how important our working relationship is.”
A Humberside Police spokesperson added: “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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