350 CCTV Cameras Watch Plymouth 24/7

Plymouth council takes steps to ensure women feel safe in the city in the wake of the kidnap and alleged murder of Sarah Everard in London.

10:21 06 April 2021

Plymouth Council has pledged to introduce a new initiative to make the city safer for women and girls. The announcement follows the kidnap and alleged murder of Sarah Everard in London earlier this month.

The city is currently being monitored 24/7 by more than 350 CCTV cameras strategically placed around the city. It also operates a control room all day and all night.

A council spokesperson said that the women’s safety is a priority for the council.

"Women and girls out and about in the city can be reassured that someone is always looking out for their safety, with over 350 CCTV cameras and a 24-hours-a day control room.

"Since the tragic kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in London, women across the UK have been rightly raising concerns about how safe they feel when they are in public spaces.

"Plymouth City Council want to reassure local women and girls that together with the police, all efforts are being taken to keep communities safe and reduce crime."

Assistant cabinet member for Transformation and CCTV for Plymouth City Council, Councillor Gareth Derrick added: "The Sarah Everard case has been deeply disturbing for everyone, but of course mostly so for women, who know how it is to feel unsafe and insecure when on the streets after dark.

"Nobody should live in fear of going out after a certain time, or be afraid to walk home alone in the evening. We are determined to do all we can to make the streets of Plymouth safe and secure."