Ilkley Petition for CCTV

Residents call for the use of CCTV in Ilkley to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.

18:29 22 March 2018

A petition calling for the introduction of CCTV in Ilkley has been presented at Bradford Council meeting. A resident, Lynn Wright, said that the use of CCTV is a must to prevent crime in the town. She spoke to councillors about her experience when her car was badly damaged whilst parked on The Grove. The vehicle that caused damage to her car was identified through the use of a nearby jewellers shop.

 

The petition has since been signed by 200 residents, including business owners. It is also heavily supported by councillors and police officers.

 

One of the supporters, PC Sam Hollings, Ilkley’s Early Intervention and Prevention officer, said: "As a police officer, the starting point for many investigations now is digital images of suspects and their vehicles.

 

“The phrase ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ could not be closer to the truth where CCTV is concerned. There is incredible value in seeing crime and criminals as though one were present as a witness. CCTV gives an incredible amount of information to investigators.

 

“Couple this information with a coordinated and active response and you have a powerful tool for crime prevention and detection."

 

Cllr Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley) also supported the petition. She said: "Quality CCTV is of great value. The night time economy and fewer police on the streets means that the camera is very important for detection and protection.”