CCTV helps catch criminals in the act

LATEST figures show CCTV cameras in Carmarthenshire are helping police catch criminals in the act.

From April 1 last year to March 31 this year, 230 incidents were recorded in the three main towns of Carmarthen, Llanelli and Ammanford resulting in 210 arrests.

Highly-skilled CCTV operators were able to observe the incidents as they happened and police would then direct resources accordingly.

The operators work closely with officers and spent a total of 975 hours proactively monitoring specific people or vehicles of interest.

The footage is then used in court as evidence. Incidents include assaults, criminal damage, drugs related offences, missing persons, thefts from properties and vehicles, public order offences, shoplifting and road traffic collisions.

Executive Board Member for Community Safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “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 and are often commended by senior police officers for their good work. A recent example resulted in two people in Carmarthen being arrested for possession and supply of drugs.”

The cameras are owned and run by the Community Safety Partnership and monitored in the CCTV control rooms at Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford police stations.

The partnership has also recently paid for a new digital link to be installed in Burry Port as well as an additional camera for the town.

Cllr Palmer added: “The Community Safety Partnership is committed to tackling crime and disorder in Carmarthenshire and CCTV is just one of a number of tools being used in the drive to make the county a safer place to live, work and visit.”