15 December 2008
The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership is urging Christmas revellers to enjoy their nights out over the festive period, but to be mindful that CCTV cameras are constantly being monitored across the entire borough and will detect any disorder that occurs.
Caerphilly County Borough Council's CCTV control room currently monitors over 150 CCTV cameras throughout the Caerphilly county borough, and the message Safer Caerphilly is putting out this Christmas is simple:
"Enjoy your night out this Christmas, but be aware that CCTV is being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and any disorder will not go undetected."
Community Safety Manager, Howard Rees said, "Many people simply do not realise how many CCTV cameras there actually are in the county borough, but rest assured that the cameras are monitored around the clock and our CCTV operators work tirelessly to ensure that our residents remain safe all year round."
Also, Caerphilly Council's CCTV team have now further increased partnership working with colleagues at Gwent Police, with the introduction of a direct communication system between the CCTV control room and Gwent Police's radio system.
This system is a brand new addition to the control room, and means that Gwent Police officers and Caerphilly Council CCTV operators have the ability to instantly contact one another should they spot an incident, or need assistance in any way, therefore increasing efficiency, not to mention public safety all round.
Cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Lyn Ackerman said, "Christmas is a time for fun and enjoyment, but unfortunately it can also be a time that primarily due to an increase in alcohol consumption, tempers can flare resulting in an increase in disorder and general disturbances.
Over the past 3 years, BCS crime has decreased by a total of 22.8% throughout the Caerphilly county borough, which equates to 2298 fewer victims of crime. This truly is an impressive figure.
We are however still as determined as ever that these figures will decrease even further, and CCTV has and will continue to make a huge contribution to this significant reduction in incidences of crime, not just at Christmas and New Year, but all year round.
The fact that there is now even greater partnership working between our CCTV team and our colleagues at Gwent Police through direct communication contact, is also another excellent initiative, and one which has public safety and crime prevention at its core."
For further information, please contact the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership on 01443 864 374.
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