New CCTV hub to monitor crime across district

A new CCTV control room monitoring 90 cameras has been installed to tackle crime in part of Nottinghamshire.

The control room is based in Newark and will monitor incidents within Newark, Southwell, Ollerton and surrounding communities.

Newark and Sherwood District Council said it was a significant improvement on the previous system, where a team of the same size were responsible for monitoring three districts in the county.

Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at the council, added that it will allow the authorities to "concentrate on crime happening locally" and help catch offenders in "real time".

Under the previous system, the team monitored 170 cameras spread across Broxtowe, Ashfield, Rushcliffe and the Newark and Sherwood area.

The new CCTV control room will now focus solely on crime happening in the Newark and Sherwood district.

The council said this means the operators will be able to spot signs of criminal behaviour in its early stages, and report suspicious activity to Nottinghamshire Police and the district council's anti-social behaviour team.

Taylor said: "We will see the incidents as they are unfolding in real time as the CCTV will be monitored throughout the day and night.

"Tackling anti-social behaviour and crime is our top priority and something residents say is impacting their day-to-day lives.

"Our communities deserve to feel safe and supported, and having CCTV based in Newark and Sherwood gives us greater ownership and responsibility to ensure this.

"To those thinking about engaging in this kind of behaviour - we'll see everything you're doing."

Insp Charlotte Ellam, district commander for Newark and Sherwood at Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour has long been one of our top policing priorities here in Newark and Sherwood, so news of the new CCTV control room is certainly welcomed by us.

"We're committed to doing anything we can to crack down on anti-social behaviour and other offending in Newark and Sherwood, so are delighted to have been able to work with the council to make this happen."

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