Scunthorpe SOS help points installed to improve public safety

Video-enabled SOS help points have been launched in Scunthorpe to improve public safety.

People in distress can contact police and security staff by pressing the help point buttons installed on West Street and Frances Street.

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said they would have a "significant impact on the safety of women and girls".

A further three cameras will go live in the town in the new year.

Scunthorpe's security control centre and Humberside Police can remotely access the cameras and issue audio warnings.

They can also speak to people needing help to provide support and assistance while gathering video evidence if needed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Evison explained: "The help point is an all-in-one SOS system that is specifically designed to reduce concerns over street crimes such as assaults, robbery, gang crimes, safeguarding vulnerable people and crimes against women and girls.

"Effectively, this technology allows anyone to make a live, video-recorded SOS call to CCTV control room staff and police staff if they find themselves feeling unsafe or vulnerable."

He said activating the help point would "immediately enable operators to risk-assess the scene via CCTV to secure evidence, determine what help is needed, dispatch the appropriate police response, and provide reassurance to the caller."

North Lincolnshire Council leader Rob Waltham said: "If anyone feels like they are in danger or in a vulnerable situation, these help points will provide that reassurance that help is available at the touch of a button.

"Our security control centre, working with the police, will respond to keep people safe."

The other help points will be installed at the meeting point of Frodingham Road and Digby Street and at Britannia Corner and The Parishes.

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