Cabinet to discuss plans to improve CCTV network

An additional investment of £256,000 is due to be put before cabinet.

Published 15th Feb 2022

There could be fresh investment in keeping people safe across the Borough of Scarborough.

Proposals for an additional £256,000 investment in the CCTV network will be put before councillors on the cabinet.

There are 244 cameras across Filey, Whitby and Scarborough which are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In recent years, evidence secured by CCTV operators has led to the convictions for murders.

The cameras have also been used to secure prosecutions for fly-tipping and licensing breaches, prevent suicide attempts and disrupt a county lines drug dealing operation.

Scarborough Borough Council says between September and November 2021, there were an average of 360 incidents per month and 60 arrests involving CCTV monitoring.

The money would pay for 28 analogue cameras to be updated to digital to improve the way they work and the quality of the images they capture.

Councillors on the cabinet will meet at 10am to discuss the request for £256,000 to supplement £110,000 from existing budgets.

Councillor Carl Maw, cabinet member for stronger communities and housing, said:

“Our CCTV system has secured convictions for several serious crimes, it has saved lives and it keeps people safe across the borough 24/7.

“It has proved its worth many times over the years.

“There is now a need to upgrade some of the cameras and improve the technology that runs the network.

“As part of our commitment to ensure our residents enjoy better lives in a borough where we all feel safe, I hope my cabinet colleagues will approve this additional investment.”

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