Increase in use of CCTV produces good results

MORE use is being made of CCTV in Carmarthenshire helping to catch criminals red-handed.

Figures for the year 2011/12 show the number of incidents where CCTV was used for monitoring was up from 230 the previous year to 571.

It also contributed to the arrest of 190 people.

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

The operators work closely with officers 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.

In particular, police colleagues have recognised the good work of CCTV operators in Carmarthen in helping to trace offenders involved in a violent assault in the town as well as a number of ‘creeper’ burglaries, where homes have been broken into during the night while the occupants are asleep. 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.

Community Safety Manager Kate Thomas 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.

“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.”