How useful is CCTV in the fight against crime?

Academic reports - and some statements by senior police officers - have cast doubt on the effectiveness of CCTV in the fight against crime. Facts from one CCTV network in Northallerton show how useful it can be.

A CCTV network in Hambleton near Northallerton, has helped police in 400 incidents in the last five months alone, 63 of which have assisted with police arrests. Just last month the camera network helped police directly with 41 incidents and another 71 incidents reported by the public, local retailers and officers were looked into. 

According to the area's Chief Inspector and commander of the Hambleton Safer Neighbourhood Team, results like this show the value of CCTV systems. The system in question has had other positive impacts too - including crimes involving drunken people fighting and young drivers involved in anti-social behaviour. "The evidence available is so good it is difficult to argue against if you are the one under investigation."

Read the rest of this item from the Darlington & Stockton Times here