News and press releases
CCTV Leads To Nearly 1,000 Arrests
Press release
Councillor Tracey Dixon takes a look inside South Tyneside’s CCTV control room
The operators of South Tyneside's CCTV camera network were instrumental in almost 1,000 arrests last year, new figures have revealed.
There are 192 cameras placed in locations across the Borough, including main shopping streets and Metro stations.
In 2011, the network's operators assisted in 942 arrests being made for offences ranging from burglary and shoplifting to drunkenness and car crime.
They even used their skills to track down two people reported missing.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member Leisure and Community Safety, visited the CCTV control room to meet the operators and learn more about their work.
Councillor Dixon said: "Our CCTV camera operators work closely with the police to keep South Tyneside safe and their joint efforts have resulted in thousands of arrests over the years.
"They play a very important role in detecting and dealing with a range of crimes and the evidence they record is of great value to the police because it increases the chances of securing a conviction.
"The cameras are a visible deterrent to anybody who might be looking to commit an offence. Their presence lets offenders know that they run a high risk of being caught and brought to justice.
"The CCTV operators deserve great praise for their valuable work and I'd like to thank them and of course the police for the contribution they are making to keep South Tyneside a safe place."
Acting Chief Inspector Don Wade, from South Tyneside Area Command, added: "We welcome these latest figures, which show CCTV systems and those who operate it have proved instrumental in both crime prevention and detection. The use of CCTV has led to many arrests and convictions over the years.
"It is particularly useful at specific times of year where there may be a potential for an increase in crime or in aiding our operational campaigns such as driving down acquisitive crime over the festive period.
"CCTV systems also provide a major source of reassurance to our communities and we will continue to work alongside our partners to use it and bring about further crime reductions in the Borough."
