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As part of a CCTV camera programme three new CCTV cameras have been installed by Engineering Services throughout the Borough bringing the total number of CCTV cameras to 39.
Former Chief Executive, David Watts, said, "The Council's investment in CCTV - so far we've spent over �750,000 - demonstrates our commitment to making Guildford an environment in which everyone feels safe and secure. It also shows how the Safer Guildford Partnership's forward thinking approach to tackling crime is having tangible results - with an increase in detection rates to a high of around 82 per cent since the CCTV system was installed."
Guildford Police comment "The CCTV programme is just one of many community safety initiatives introduced by the partnership. The expertise of the police staff monitoring the cameras in the town has initiated or assisted in over 4,000 arrests since the CCTV programme started operation in 1995. The system funded by Guildford Borough Council, deters criminals and its high quality ensures convictions with unassailable evidence when necessary."
During the most recent round of bidding for central government funding for CCTV, the Safer Guildford Partnership submitted two bids to the Home Office for consideration. These were for the �Rural Mobile CCTV Scheme�, six mobile cameras that can be moved to follow transient problems, and the �Ash and Stoke CCTV Extensions� (one pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) camera at Ash Wharf and two PTZ cameras on Slyfield Industrial Estate). Both these schemes were submitted in consultation with Surrey Police and followed on from crime and disorder audit data and feedback from the local community and funding has been approved.
CCTV � ASH AND STOKE EXTENSION
These three additional cameras at Ash and Stoke were recently installed in September 2002, and are linked to the CCTV control room at Guildford Police Station, as are the other existing 36 cameras within the system. Police civilian staff will operate them. The three new cameras will be the same specification as those currently in use, although the requirements for the lenses and light sensitivity have been increased. All three cameras will be pole mounted.
Works started: �������������������������� Mid March 2002
Works completed:���������������������� September 2002
Detailed Design / Site Supervision: GBC Engineering Services
Contractor:�������������������������������� Photon TG
GBC Engineer:��������������������������� Geoff Fowler / Steve Elliott
Total Cost:�������������������������������� �79,000
In addition to the permanent CCTV cameras the Council has recently purchased six mobile CCTV cameras which can be used to provide temporary surveillance at locations out of range of the normal cameras. The installation of these is done in connection with Surrey Police and have already been used at Slyfield Industrial Estate, the 2002 County Show and the 2002 Guildford Music Festival. A communicatiion network is currently being created to enable greater coverage over Guildford.
If you require any further information on any of the CCTV programmes please contact Geoff Fowler in Engineering Services on 01483 444506. If you have any general comments on the Engineering Services website, or these updates please contact Steve Elliott.