HACKNEY CCTV RECEIVES NATIONAL PRAISE FOR DETECTING CRIME
Tuesday, 20 October, 2009
Hackney Police's CCTV detections unit has had its hard work recognised by the National CCTV Strategy Programme, part of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA). The unit, which works in close partnership with Hackney Council's CCTV team has been instrumental in detecting hundreds of street crimes on the borough.
Geoff Teale, Programme Manager of the National CCTV Strategy Programme at the National Policing Improvement Agency, said,
"The benefits of CCTV are well known, but DS Preston and his team have done a fantastic job in pulling together data which supports its use in detecting crime. The detail he's put together is one of the best examples that we've come across throughout England and Wales and we intend to highlight what can be done when the use of CCTV is recorded."
DS Green Preston of Hackney Police, said,
"The team works very hard in partnership with the local authority's CCTV unit and it's fantastic to get this kind of recognition. CCTV has been a great success in Hackney; not only does it help us identify offenders and secure convictions, but it also serves as a deterrent to the small minority of individuals who engage in criminality. Working in partnership with council colleagues and supported by senior police officers means that residents can feel confident that crimes are being detected and the streets of Hackney are getting safer."
Councillor Alan Laing from Hackney Council, said,
"CCTV in Hackney is, quite rightly, held up as a prime example of cutting edge partnership work that is proven to fight crime. A combination of 21st century technology and excellent integrated communications at our CCTV unit helps catch criminals, deters would-be perpetrators and lets residents know they are safer on our streets. We are proud to have our joint efforts recognised."
Recent highlights for the Hackney CCTV team include:
- A man arrested 23 hours after committing a serious sexual assault. Officers were in possession of the stills generated during daytime enquiries at LBH CCTV
- A stolen car spotted by CCTV operators: the driver was stopped and found in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. A search of his address led to the recovery of more drugs, a handgun, ammunition and a silencer
- CCTV unit investigators identified a surge in cars bearing stolen registration plates being used to steal petrol from forecourts. A man was charged with 22 offences and 39 number plate thefts from Hackney were taken into consideration. Since then he has had 100+ other thefts of registration plates taken into consideration from four other London boroughs.
