New CCTV installed in seven towns across the Scottish Borders
New state-of-the-art CCTV has been installed in seven towns across the Scottish Borders.
The investment by Scottish Borders Council follows concerns the previous system had reached the end of its useful life.
Once fully operational, Councillor Robin Tatler says the new cameras - which have an automatic number plate recognition system - won't just be used to deter and detect crime.
The local authority's Executive Member for Public Safety and Resilience told Greatest Hits Radio: "The data can also be used for things like traffic, crowd control, looking at movement across the towns; and, when we have severe weather events, we can look at what the conditions are."
Duns, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Melrose, and Peebles are the towns set to benefit.
Initial testing of the system has been completed, with more work required before the system becomes fully operational.
Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher, Police Scotland's Local Area Commander for the Scottish Borders, said: “CCTV footage can play a vital role in detecting crime and helping to identify or eliminate suspects. It can also be a major deterrent to potential offenders.
“If you know you are being filmed, you are less likely to commit a crime. Footage can also be sued to support missing person inquiries."
And he added: "We will use all available technology to ensure our communities are safe.”
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The modern system allows access to video and information remotely and the new cameras will also enhance the protection of Council properties and support real-time monitoring, particularly during ongoing incidents.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The new public space CCTV system is a flagship commitment of this administration, and I am proud to see it delivered."
A spokesperson added: "Once fully operational and embedded, the data will also enable the Council to forecast event attendance, plan resources more effectively, and better understand how visitor patterns influence public transport, opening hours, and wider service delivery."
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