Mobile spy cameras to get tough on crime

Published 29 Jun 2010 08:56 0 Comments

MOBILE CCTV cameras are to target problem areas in the Cowdenbeath ward in new efforts to reduce crime.

Councillors last week agreed a contribution of £22,000 for two Domehawk cameras.

Local police sergeant Stuart Clark told the Cowdenbeath Area committee that the equipment would be sited based on an "intelligence led model". This means they will be attached to lamp posts in areas where regular complaints had been received about crime and anti-social behaviour, such as underage drinking.

Sgt Clark told councillors, "Domehawk cameras have helped reduced calls relating to anti-social behaviour in other areas where they have been deployed.

"It enhances the ability of police to tackle anti-social behaviour."

He referred to statistics in a police report that showed a 65 per cent reduction in calls to police when the Domehawk system was used in Fraser Avenue in Inverkeithing in February this year.

The system was also used in Main Street, Crossgates, in April and resulted in a further reduction in crime.

The cameras can be either hard wired or used with batteries and are used in areas off the static CCTV map.

They can be remotely controlled to view 360 degrees and are placed in problem areas for up to three months at a time.

Police have acquired a cherry picker to assist in reducing the cost of moving the cameras.

Fiona Forbes, locality manager for the Cowdenbeath area, said, "Crime and the fear of crime can reduce the attractiveness of an area and lead to it being stigmatised.

"Static CCTV serves a purpose but Domehawks can also give evidential quality footage in all types of light."

Councillor Alex Maxwell queried the effectiveness of the "mass array of cameras" across the UK but said the deployment of mobile cameras in further aiding police in detecting crime was "the way forward."

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