CCTV generated 280 arrests in Spelthorne

Mar 12 2009 By Adam Courtney

Nearly 300 arrests were made last year due to CCTV.

Nearly 300 arrests were made across Spelthorne in the past year due to crimes being captured on CCTV.

Figures from Spelthorne Council show more than 1,000 incidents were recorded on the borough's CCTV system between April 2008 and March 2009. Police attended on more than 750 occasions making 280 arrests.

Cameras are suituated in Staines, Ashford, Shepperton, Sunbury Cross and Stanwell, are monitored 24 hours per day at the Runnymede Control Centre in Addlestone under an agreement between the borough councils of Runnymede and Spelthorne.

The control room has direct access to the police control room in Guildford, which itself has cameras dedicated to Spelthorne.

Crimes and incidents detected by the cameras included shoplifting, youths fighting, assaults, criminal damage and missing persons.

Commenting on the latest figures, portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Frank Ayers, said: "The council, working in close partnership with the police, have invested significantly in CCTV as part of our aim to make people feel safer and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

"When used as part of a range of measures, including regular police patrols, good lighting and a clean environment, CCTV is proven to be effective.

"Next year the council intends to extend the system by providing three additional cameras in Stanwell, funded entirely by developers, again reflecting our commitment to community safety in the borough."