Additional CCTV camera for Burry Port

AN additional CCTV camera is to be installed in Burry Port.

The Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership has funded the camera, costing almost £10,000, following a request from the police and the town council.

The location of the new camera is yet to be decided but police will be consulting with the local councillors as to where it should be placed.

It is hoped it will help police in their fight against crime and anti-social behaviour as well as provide reassurance for residents by reducing the fear of crime.

The town already has two CCTV cameras and the new addition will significantly increase coverage in the area.

County councillors Pat Jones and Stephen James have welcomed the crime prevention boost for the town.

Cllr Jones said: “CCTV is seen as a major deterrent against all types of crime as well as anti-social behaviour and I am delighted that we are getting another camera in the town, I am sure residents will also be pleased as it will also help to increase safety. Of course we do not have a major problem with crime in Burry Port but like any other town there are some issues, particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour, and we are working with the local police and the community safety partnership to address them as best we can. This is another step in the right direction.”

Councillor James added: “There have been some problems with our CCTV during the last few months but a lot of money has been spent getting it fixed and we are also very grateful for this extra camera. We will now be talking to the police as to where it would be best placed.”

The community safety partnership has also spent almost £9,000 to install a new digital link in the town.

The cameras in Burry Port are monitored in the CCTV control room at Llanelli Police Station. Highly-skilled CCTV operators are able to observe incidents as they happen and directly inform police colleagues immediately. The evidence can then be used in court if needed. Much of the operators’ time is also spent looking for specific people or vehicles at the request of police officers. And when there are no specific incidents to be looked at on the screens, they are proactively monitoring the areas covered by CCTV to ensure everyone’s safety.

Community safety manager Kate Thomas said: “The Community Safety Partnership is committed to tackling crime and disorder in Carmarthenshire. CCTV makes a huge contribution to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour as well as providing reassurance for residents.

“The operators are extremely proactive, helping to provide evidence of crimes being committed.

“CCTV is just one of a number of tools being used in the drive to make Carmarthenshire a safer place to live, work and visit.”

The Community Safety Partnership includes the council, police, fire and rescue service as well as a number of other agencies and was set up to tackle crime and disorder in Carmarthenshire.

“I’m delighted that the CCTV has been repaired in Burry Port and that another camera has been provided, as requested by the community and local police,” said Inspector James Davies.

“This is a good example of the police, community safety partnership and council working together to address local concerns.

“We are fortunate that Burry Port is a low crime area, but it is not a no crime area. And systems like this CCTV go a long way to improving public confidence by making the community feel safer.”