Camaras may watch every move
Big Brother will watch the every move of people across Walsall if plans to catch criminals on film become a reality – as police turn to technology to cut crime.
Mobile CCTV cameras could be installed across the borough after a pilot scheme in three areas has significantly reduced crime and anti-social behaviour in just three weeks.
The three rapid deployment cameras, costing £8,000 each, were introduced in the New Deal areas of Blakenall, Bloxwich and Leamore on April 3.
They were put into what police felt were the biggest trouble spots and are being backed up by a rise in police and community warden patrols.
Inspector Amanda McPhee is leading the operation, after launching a similar scheme in Sandwell.
She said discussions were now taking place to see if funding can be found to buy more mobile cameras for use in the rest of the borough.
Figures have not yet been put together to illustrate the drop in crime, such as robberies and burglaries, but she said a fall had been noted.
"There has been a reduction in anti-social behaviour while the cameras have also helped to gain images which could be used as evidence in court, on an assault case which otherwise might have been difficult to prosecute."
The project is funded by the Government.
