New digital improvements to CCTV systems in Chesterfield have been approved – after recent investment in additional security measures has contributed to a reduction of crime and disorder.
The new digital system will allow the council to work more efficiently with the police – helping create a more responsive service and help people to feel safe.
It builds on past investment into a range of measures which are helping to reduce crime and nuisance behaviour and help police colleagues to bring culprits to justice.
Over £350,000 has been invested over the past three years thanks to external funding the council secured through the Safer Streets initiative. This funding has seen a fully digital CCTV system upgrade which includes the installation of an additional 80 new cameras in the town centre, plus specialist ANPR cameras at Horns Bridge and West Bars roundabouts to support vehicle tracking.
It has already made a real impact with both anti-social behaviour and burglary reports reducing by around 14%, theft at business properties dropping by by 12.5% and the theft of motor vehicles down by almost 24%.
Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield is a very safe place. However, like towns and cities around the country, anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder can sometimes be an issue.
“We work closely with our partners across the community to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour from happening, and we take action when it occurs so that Chesterfield remains a safe and welcoming place.
“Data from the past year shows anti-social behaviour and other crimes are reducing locally, demonstrating our previous investments are delivering for local people.
“But we’re not complacent. These latest improvements in the way we use our CCTV technology mean we can work more quickly and effectively with police, so that Chesterfield continues to be a safe place for residents and visitors.”
The changes are part of wider budget proposal to redesign the CCTV service, which were approved by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 20 February. It is in line with the council’s budget strategy, making sure the service delivers the best value for money, and is making the best use of digital technology.
