Grimsby CCTV Face Recognition

CCTV cameras with advanced facial recognition technology could be used soon in Grimsby town centre to curb troubles.

15:05 24 September 2018

Local authorities in Grimsby town are seriously considering using CCTV cameras with advanced facial recognition technology, among other measures, to improve safety in the area. The decision comes following a spree of criminal damage in July and widespread concern that visitors are faced with “a gauntlet of street drinkers, druggies, charity representatives, shoplifters and fast cyclists.”

 

Police chiefs say the hi-tech enhanced images that the cameras can provide will be used to compare facial characteristics with images that they already have in their database and could play a major role to deter people from shoplifting, being violent or behaving anti-socially.

 

Chief Superintendent Darren Downs, of Humberside Police heads the task group said: “It is a fine balance to strike. Is Grimsby town centre any worse than any other town centre. I would say not. Does it have one or two issues? I would say yes."

 

"But every town centre has. Our task group is working out a number of measures. We are looking at increasing patrols. We have already started with increased patrols targeting the more prolific criminals.

 

"The multi-agency group is looking at improving CCTV and providing more bins and facilities to improve the amount of litter and curb the amount of graffiti,” he told.

 

“The local authority is looking to employ additional staff. Any public space protection orders which are designated to an area need to be enforced. The authority is also looking at legislation over cycling and have the rights behind that order,” said Chief Superintendent Downs.