Newark and Sherwood District Council has introduced a package to improve the district’s CCTV to continue to drive down rates of anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the district.
The latest area to benefit from the upgrade of high-definition CCTV cameras is Cleveland Square, Newark.
“The improved quality of image we now get at Cleveland Square will help us tackle ASB, thus protecting our beautiful play park there for the benefit of our local residents.
The old cameras offered a certain amount of security, however with the improved picture quality, we now stand a better chance of identifying anyone guilty of anti-social behaviour,” explains Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council.
The improvement in the quality of the cameras in Cleveland Square is the latest part of an improvement package across the district which has seen CCTV being used in ASB hotspots.
These improvements have helped to drive down rates of ASB across Newark and Sherwood. The latest figures show a reduction of 23% in ASB year on year with the overall rate down 11% across the financial year, 2023/4.
The District Council has committed to a comprehensive CCTV camera replacement programme to enhance the quality, quantity and reliability of its network of cameras.
Currently comprising over 70 cameras, several of which can be relocated to ASB hot spots, the 24-hour CCTV network plays a vital role in tackling ASB and crime, providing evidence following reported incidents, and helping to identify and deter offenders.
“We want to work closely with residents and local communities. So, when incidents of ASB are reported to us, we can act quickly to stop them. We now stand an even better chance to track down and bring the offenders to justice. By being able to deliver better evidence and working very closely with our partners, we want to see the downward trend in ASB continue,” concludes Councillor Taylor.
The improved cameras are part of a package of measures Newark and Sherwood District Council is adopting to tackle ASB across Newark and Sherwood. Other activities include, but are not limited to, investing in safety and security measures in Balderton through the Safer Streets 5 project, expanding the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, hosting Community Safety Events for residents to speak directly with their local Council and Police officers, and in recurring or more serious cases the District Council serve injunctions and criminal behaviour orders.
• Read more: Newark: New Nottsbus On Demand zone to launch in south Newark
• Read next: Kerbside glass recycling starts in Newark
