A mobile CCTV scheme has been launched across the Forest of Dean, buy targeting trouble spots in the district.
The project, pharm funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner has seen eight mobile cameras gifted to the towns of Newent, Coleford and Cinderford and the parish of Tidenham, providing extra reassurance for their residents and deterring anti-social behaviour.
The parishes of Mitcheldean and Newnham have also been keen to use the cameras, which are open to all towns and villages to use on request.
The new cameras are part of the Forest of Dean Community Safety Partnership’s plan, aimed at reducing crime throughout the district and will play a crucial role in identifying criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in towns and villages in the future.
The Newent camera has already recorded several incidents of criminal activity, resulting in police prosecutions.
Parishes interested in using the mobile cameras should contact their nearest Town Council (Newent, Cinderford or Coleford) or Tidenham Parish Council, so that deployment of the camera can be arranged.
Cllr Terry Hale, Cabinet Member for the Community and Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership said: “We are extremely grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for funding the eight mobile cameras and to the members of the Community Safety Partnership for initiating the scheme. Their combined support has made these much needed cameras a reality and will help to reduce crime levels across the district.”
Mayor of Coleford, Cllr Paul Kay added: “Our camera is an important addition to our town and its mobility means we can work with the community to target areas of concern and in doing so protect our residents.”
Cllr Edward Wood, Mayor of Newent agreed and said: “Since its provision our camera has been instrumental in targeting criminal activity in our town and has already provided evidence to assist the police with prosecutions. We are extremely confident that it will continue to play an important role in reducing the level of crime in our town.”
Newent Town and District Cllr Len Lawton, who has been actively supporting the new mobile CCTV project said: “The mobile CCTV is primarily for the parishes and I would encourage them to use it. To book the CCTV, contact either, Coleford, Newent or Cinderford Town Council or Tidenham Parish Council.”
Cllr Max Coborn, Mayor of Cinderford said: “We are very pleased to have the two mobile CCTV cameras in Cinderford, which are already proving to be very useful against anti-social behaviour in our communities.”
Steve Ford, Chair of Tidenham Parish Council concluded: “The installation of the cameras has been welcomed by many residents and it is interesting to note the benefits they have already provided to security and the reduction of anti-social behaviour at the locations where they’ve been installed. The cameras provide good quality images and have been used by both the police and Tidenham Parish Council, who will maximise their potential by periodically relocating them around the parish as required.”