25th Anniversary of Public space CCTV scheme in Caerphilly

The public space CCTV scheme operated by Caerphilly County Borough Council recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Since its inception in 1998, it has expanded from just 11 cameras operating on VHS tapes to over 170 cameras across the county borough, with images relayed back to a central control room, using a digital monitor wall and management system.

During the last year alone the control room team has dealt with 901 incidents reported to or by Gwent Police, monitored a further 785 potential incidents, helped deal with 479 incidents post event, including burning 140 DVDs for evidential purposes and 319 digital uploads of evidence to Police.

As well as helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, CCTV is also used to protect the vulnerable people and has been used to help in searches for missing persons and in the prevention of suicide.

Cllr Philippa Leonard, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, said “This is an incredible milestone and fantastic to see how the service has developed over time. CCTV plays a vital role in keeping our communities safe and providing reassurance to residents, by helping reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

“I’d like to congratulate the team on this anniversary and thank them for their commitment to the service; I understand 3 of the team have been with the service since it began.”