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- By Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police
Whilst there are differing views on the use of CCTV cameras, they’ve become an essential tool in supporting the policing of our community.
They act as both a deterrent to criminal activity and are also a vital resource during investigations.
The presence of CCTV cameras can prevent crime before it happens.
Criminals are less likely to target an area if they’re aware they’re being watched.
Whether the cameras are in a shop, public place, or around residential properties, they’re an extra set of eyes working towards discouraging criminal behaviour.
Likewise, when crimes occur, CCTV footage is an essential resource for investigators as it enables suspects to be identified, provides a clear picture of the events that have occurred and is crucial evidence to be presented in court if needed.
A recent local example of how CCTV evidence contributes towards the solving of offences includes a spate of thefts from local retail businesses, where CCTV footage of the offending was supplied to police.
The offender was subsequently identified and linked to numerous offences through the footage and is now before the courts facing 30 charges of theft.
Another was a recent break in of a vehicle in a public car park in Howick, where the Howick Village Association’s CCTV cameras captured the offending where items of a significant value were stolen.
Further analysis of other local CCTV cameras identified the registration of the offender’s vehicle, with the offender subsequently being identified from that footage.
They’re now before the courts charged with theft.
There are many other examples as well, so if you’re looking to protect your property, I encourage any businesses or local homeowners to consider installing CCTV as part of their security measures.
