Welcome to Denbighshire County Council - CCTV helps in the fight against crime

08/21/2008 - CCTV helps in the fight against crime

Footage captured on Denbighshire's CCTV system played a major part in the apprehension of two men who have been jailed for kicking an injured seagull to death.

Police were alerted to the incident in Rhyl after CCTV operators working in Denbighshire's state of the art CCTV control room witnessed the incident, which was recorded onto the CCTV system.

The Denbighshire County Council Town Centre CCTV scheme now has a total of 84 cameras which are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a team of 12 experienced Operators. This valuable service is run from a state of the art centre which is one of the most modern scheme of its kind in the UK. With 22 individual monitors and five big screens taking inputs from the cameras, it plays a big part in keeping residents and visitors safe on the streets of Rhyl, Prestatyn and Rhuddlan.

The scheme consists of a set of equipment and procedures that help deter criminal or anti social behaviour, detect crime and record images that may be used for future prosecutions.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: "Through working in partnership with North Wales Police and having direct links to their control room, any detected crime can be reported immediately, and increases the probability of apprehending criminals. Also, through having a link with the Town Centre Retail and Rhyl Rules Radio schemes, any further crime detected can be reported to police and monitored by the cameras".

Simon Billington, CCTV Superintendent, said: "The CCTV system is a valuable tool in detecting crime and reducing the fear of crime. This sickening incident in Rhyl was captured on CCTV and we were able to provide North Wales Police with a DVD copy of the full incident, the close cooperation between the CCTV staff and North Wales Police resulted in the two men being apprehended and taken to court.
"The system has had numerous successes in recent years. We have been able to inform police of any public disorder and have even located missing people. We are delighted to able to work with North Wales Police and other partners in making our communities safer for residents, visitors and on this occasion the local wildlife."
Sgt RobTaylor said after the hearing" This was an unusual case, which displayed graphic and blatant cruelty against a defenceless bird. The showing of the CCTV footage, prior to sentence, to the court was very impactive, with some onlookers turning away sickened and in disbelief. I am very pleased with the sentence and this sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate such acts and fully investigate and prosecute offenders".