A number of high-tech cameras have been installed across Manor Royal in a bid to enhance security in the business district. A combination of traditional CCTV and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras have been positioned at strategic locations to tackle crime in the area. The project was funded through a 250,000 grant from West Sussex County Council.
Steve Sawyer, who is the executive director of Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID), has previously talked of the necessity to make the area safer after a number of high-profile break-ins including one at Curry’s PC World in March. and one where burglars stole thousands of pounds from the Subway shop on Gatwick Road last August.23
Mr Sawyer pointed out that although Manor Royal statistically doesn’t have a high crime rate, security has been one of the top issues for local businesses. He said: “This project has enabled us to develop a positive and active relationship with Sussex Police.
“Businesses still have a responsibility for taking the necessary steps to protect their own property and premises.
“The difference now is that they can be reassured that we have a robust system in place that is supported, endorsed and designed by Sussex Police.”
The cameras will be monitored 24/7 and will aim to make Manor Royal a “harder target” for criminal activity. Data that will be collected through these new cameras can be used by Sussex Police’s intelligence teams to collect patterns of movement of suspect vehicles, enabling the police to target known offenders.
Their vehicles can then be monitored in real time and police resources can be intelligently deployed to make an intervention. The new initiative has also been welcomed by Sussex Police’s top cop who hopes to use this project as an example of efficient working between business groups, councils and police forces. Chief Constable Giles York said: “This is a great example of the business community working closely with the police and the council to ensure there is the necessary infrastructure in place to protect local businesses.
“The introduction of new technology and better sharing of information enables us to better proactively prevent crime and catch criminals.
I look forward to seeing the results of this project and finding out more about its potential for wider roll out across Sussex.”
The Manor Royal BID is now into the fourth year of its first five-year term, during which time a number of significant improvements have been delivered to the area including improved broadband infrastructure, the creation of a new park and a reduction in crime levels.
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References
- ^ Comments (0) (www.crawleynews.co.uk)
- ^ one at Curry’s PC World in March. (www.crawleynews.co.uk)
- ^ stole thousands of pounds from the Subway shop on Gatwick Road last August. (www.crawleynews.co.uk)
- ^ number of significant improvements have been delivered (www.crawleynews.co.uk)
- ^ including improved broadband infrastructure (www.crawleynews.co.uk)
- ^ a reduction in crime levels (www.crawleynews.co.uk)