Talking CCTV to beat yobs
Thugs, thieves and speeding drivers are being targeted by talking cameras in the latest drive to stop nuisance behaviour in Penkridge. Thugs, thieves and speeding drivers are being targeted by talking cameras in the latest drive to stop nuisance behaviour in Penkridge. Three hi-tech, portable Flashcam cameras, costing £5,000 each will provide surveillance at village trouble hotspots. They issue a verbal warning to yobs and vandals who are not where they should be or who cause problems, before capturing their image digitally and in colour. Gangs of up to 60 youths have been congregating in the village centre in evenings and it is hoped the cameras will reduce any anti-social behaviour. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Three hi-tech, portable Flashcam cameras, costing £5,000 each will provide surveillance at village trouble hotspots.
They issue a verbal warning to yobs and vandals who are not where they should be or who cause problems, before capturing their image digitally and in colour.
Gangs of up to 60 youths have been congregating in the village centre in evenings and it is hoped the cameras will reduce any anti-social behaviour.
The system allows police to collect photographic evidence to prosecute anyone caught causing trouble in the area.
The solar-powered Flashcams can also act as speed cameras to punish motorists who exceed the limit and will be moved around as necessary.
The cameras, with wide angle lenses, were paid for by Penkridge Parish Council, after a successful trial with one camera in July last year.
Two have been installed beside a 200-year-old wall being rebuilt beside the bowling green. A third has been put in place at the burial ground off Pinfold Lane to combat drunkenness at the site.
All three cameras will be moved around subject to need but are expected to focus on the village centre, including the Festival Gardens where nuisance youths have been causing damage.
Parish Council chairwoman Anne Geoghegan said she was delighted to have the "brilliant" cameras.
"They give people an audible warning if somebody is there who shouldn't be and tell them to move off before taking their picture, so it is a double whammy," she said. "It's good news for residents."
