A DRAMATIC fall in crime in Gedling is worth celebrating. And the borough council is marking the achievement by installing more closed-circuit television cameras.
The council and the police believe TV surveillance has contributed to progress in reducing crime. The number of cameras has increased from five to 46 in just five years and it is about to go up again.
Reading the reflections of Inspector Alan Pearson in the Post today, it is clear that the cut in the number of offences is not down to cameras alone, but rather how they are used and the way in which the council and the police work together. All of those involved deserve praise for their efforts.
For many years, there has been a debate about the value of CCTV. Our view has always been that it is better to be with it than without it.
But cameras cannot replace, or justify, a reduction in uniformed presence on the streets.
Public confidence rests heavily on seeing police officers or community wardens out and about, upholding the law.
Some years ago, a survey by Nottingham City Council found that, in an area covered by CCTV, only one in ten residents thought the cameras reduced the fear of crime.
Flick through the Post archives, however, and it is clear from the regular appearance of police appeals that images from CCTV are important in identifying suspects.
It is less common to read reports of where the cameras made the difference in cases, which might help to explain the lack of public confidence inspired by cameras.
Perhaps the authorities should give more publicity to those cases where offenders have been caught on camera – and convicted.
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