A further £56,000 has been received from the Government Office for London (GoL) to bring the total number of MPAC-operated cameras in Merton to over 150.
Chief Superintendent Des Stout said: “This is in addition to over £678,000 provided since 2001 in a major expansion of CCTV cameras in the borough.”
“Since January 2001, over 50 new cameras have been installed in Merton’s streets, car parks and housing areas in order to assist the Council and the Police maintain and improve safety in the community.
“The CCTV expansion is now almost completed and operational, however we are fortunate to receive further funding to ensure these new cameras work to their very best capability,” he said.
The extra funding is being spent on:
·An additional camera overlooking routes to and from Belgrave Walk Tramstop
·Quieter and more visually acceptable cameras on High Path Housing Estate
·A specially designed camera and lighting column at Three Kings Piece to reduce clutter of street furniture in this Conservation area
·Keeping York Close Car Park in Morden open as much as possible during installation of the cameras (by evening and weekend work)
·Extra work in the CCTV Operations Centre (where cameras are monitored and recorded) to help to make it as efficient and effective as possible.
MPAC Manager Steve Brennan said: “Merton’s CCTV strategy involves active use in conjunction with the police to get real results to detect and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The CCTV service operates 24-hours, seven days a week with direct voice and picture links to the local police control room so incidents are seen straightaway and responded to.
“There are also radio links with local businesses in town centres and MPAC’s Street and Neighbourhood Wardens, all designed to maximise the impact of the different services to help Merton residents feel safer in their community,” he said.
Ends
PRESS CONTACT – Georgina Hart
Notes to Editors:
* MPAC – Merton Partnership Against Crime: a joint initiative between the Police, Merton Council and other community safety agencies to minimise crime and anti-social behaviour.