The introduction of CCTV has been one of the best weapons against crime in the borough. It has been proved effective in both cutting and detecting crime and because of this people now feel safer when they are out and about.
The Home Office states CCTV surveillance is particularly valuable when used as part of a wider crime reduction strategy, such as here in Barking and Dagenham where we have a strong partnership with the local police.
The pictures from the cameras are continuously monitored at our Communications Centre. The Police are informed of suspicious incidents as they arise and can be directed to the exact location by CCTV operators.
Since the introduction of CCTV cameras in the borough, Barking Town Centre has been given additional police officers in the Town Centre Policing Unit and Dagenham Heathway has seen increased patrols by its beat officers.
All officers with the Town Centre Policing Unit are issued with Town link radios, which they use for direct contact with retailers and security staff, as well as having immediate communication with the CCTV Control Centre.
Working directly with the local authority CCTV Control Centre in this manner has directly led to arrests and provided important evidence.
The type of offences that have led to arrests include:
For young offenders already known to the Police, a Youth Offending Team was set up to create a multi-agency approach to tackling the attitudes of young offenders. The team includes probation officers, police officers, youth crime social workers and youth workers.
They will make good use of the CCTV cameras installed in the borough's town centres to spot truants and then send an Education Social Worker and Police Officers to apprehend them and return them to school. Stopping truants from missing out on vital schooling is a major part of the work of the Access and Attendance Team.
Aside from the disadvantage of not attending school, youngsters can also get into serious trouble if they hang around unsupervised on the streets.
CCTV cameras are also being used to catch domestic and trade litterers in the act as we try to get the message of Project Street Clean across and those who refuse to pay their fines will end up in court.
Local people have stated that one of their highest concerns is cleanliness of streets and we hope that this campaign will convince irresponsible people to dispose of their waste properly.
Enforcement officers are patrolling litter hot spots such as town centres, shopping areas and back street alleyways and are issuing on-the-spot tickets to offenders.
We are also sending out a series of letters to traders and residents, warning that those who continue to leave out refuse sacks on the wrong day are also at risk of a fine.
To report any littering and fly tipping please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct.
CCTV is one of the best weapons against crime and since the introduction of CCTV cameras in conjunction with the Town Centre Policing Unit, arrests have increased by 200% as criminals can no longer remain anonymous.
In addition, officers from the unit have been informed by retailers that their profits have increased considerably since the operation began.
Barking and Dagenham is the first borough in London to unveil its new weapon against crime and street offences - Talking CCTV.
Karen Proudfoot
CCTV and Security Contracts Manager
Roycraft House
15 Linton Road
Barking
IG11 8HE
Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:
Tel: 020 8215 3000
Fax: 020 8227 5184
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.
Crime Prevention Office
Tel: 020 8345 2965
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© 2008 London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Civic Centre
Rainham Road North, Dagenham, RM10 7BN
Telephone: 020 8215 3000
Fax: 020 8227 5184
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: enquiries@lbbd.gov.uk|
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Fax: 020 8227 3470