Huntingdonshire's mobile CCTV

The benefits to be gained from the operation of public space, ‘fixed’ CCTV systems, are well documented and positively experienced on a daily basis throughout the length and breadth of the UK. However, the requirement to tackle a variety of displaced anti-social behaviour and criminal activity is something, that until recently, has had to be fought with more conventional means, and without the support of the full array of high-tech equipment, that nowadays, crime fighters within our town and city centres take for granted.

Defining the requirement

Finding themselves in this precise situation and identifying a need to address a variety of issues, Frank Cannon, CCTV Manager and Community Safety Officer with Huntingdonshire District Council, turned his attention to viable solutions that would help to extend the operational effectiveness of surveillance monitoring, beyond the fixed CCTV systems’ boundaries currently deployed within Huntingdon and three surrounding towns of St Neots, St Ives, and Ramsey.

Examining the feasibility of a mobile CCTV vehicle and the role it could play within situational and social crime reduction, Cannon researched the on-board equipment specifications and practical deployment of other mobile CCTV vehicle operators, to assess and analyse their experience. Detailing how such a vehicle could be used to create opportunities to tackle a variety of issues, external to the fixed town centre systems and including outlying villages, he drew-up a comprehensive report that would help to support town and parish councils to promote the security message, and importantly, reduce the fear of crime.

After presentation of the report to the council a positive decision was made for the council to purchase a vehicle, and fund the capital cost and revenue for its ongoing maintenance was granted.

Councillor Derek Holley, leader of the council, said: “There has been clear evidence of a need for CCTV from many communities within our district to help alleviate fear of crime and make people feel safer in their own environment. The investment in this vehicle represents part of our major programme of providing public services that maintain, and where possible enhance the quality of life for all our residents.”

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