3 weeks Ago
A CCTV system is set to be extended into the centre of a market town in an effort to curb crime and anti-social behaviour. Bungay Town Council has announced it will installing two more CCTV cameras in a third phase of a scheme - which began six years ago - following advice from Suffolk Police. One camera is set to cover the Market Place and Cross Street, and another St Mary's Street from its junction with Lower Olland Street.
A spokesman for the town council said: "The primary aim remains to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour. "The cameras are intended to help improve personal safety, personal belongings and the security of buildings and property." READ MORE: Moore & Crowley jewellers set to open in Beccles, Suffolk READ MORE: Proposal for solar farm at former Flixton airfield, Suffolk Signs will be installed near the signs to alert members of the public (Image: Bungay Town Council) The town council confirmed the visual impact of the cameras have been "minimised to protect the heritage of the town" by utilising small, colour-coded camaras to blend in with the surrounding structures.
It also reassured that the privacy of individuals is "of the utmost importance" and will ensure "all data recorded is held securely, and provided to the police by council officers upon request using secure methods". When the scheme was first announced, it was expected that the cameras would cost approximately £14,000 to be installed. The new cameras are expected to be up and running by late spring.
An example of one of the CCTV cameras (Image: Bungay Town Council) The system was first introduced into Bungay in 2019 after police figures revealed a spike in anti-social behaviour in 2018. Information was also provided by local security experts and guidance was received from East Suffolk Council’s Planning department. The second phase of the installation was completed in 2021.
A Bungay Town Council spokesman said: "The footage, recorded in real time has already provided the police with critical evidence and further assists them with their enquiries when investigating crime.".
