A number of areas within Telford have benefited from considerable investment in CCTV as part of a commitment from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Telford & Wrekin Council to create safer communities.
The Safer and Stronger Communities project, a joint partnership between PCC John Campion and Telford & Wrekin Council, started last year with a total of £2.5 million to spend on delivering initiatives that prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
As part of this project, a total of £222,300 has been spent on CCTV to tackle long term issues that have been causing concerns, ultimately improving the quality of life for communities.
The cameras, which are across the areas of Donnington, the Nedge & Brookside, Dawley Bank, Malinslee, Woodside, Dawley & Aqueduct, College & Arleston and Ketley & Overdale, are assisting with crime prevention by deterring offenders from committing crime. They are already assisting West Mercia Police in detecting offences of burglary and robbery, with the next phase of the project going further with live images being relayed directly to the police.
Whilst many areas have seen brand new systems put in place, other areas have seen upgrades in order for them to link in with the existing borough wide system that is monitored by police vetted volunteers.
PCC John Campion said: “This investment builds on the other great work that is taking place across Telford and Wrekin as part of this joint partnership, and continues to address concerns communities have. As PCC, I’m committed to ensuring communities feel safe and crime is being tackled in hotspot areas.”
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement said: “We always pride ourselves on being on the side of our residents and this will help support that approach by reducing criminal activity and adding to community safety; making people feel safe in our borough towns and the town centre.
“As a council we want to protect, care and invest. We know Telford is one of the safest major towns in Shropshire but we know we can and will continue to do more.
“We want residents to know we are on their side and will work with partners, including West Mercia Police and the PCC, to focus on small pockets of the borough that will make all areas even safer. Nobody should feel intimated in the environment they pass through or live in.”
This investment is just a small part of work being carried out by the PCC and council, in partnership with West Mercia Police, across Telford and Wrekin to make communities feel safe where they live.
