Scarborough CCTV Upgrade Plan

Scarborough Council to spend £366,000 for the borough's CCTV network upgrade.

11:23 25 February 2022

Scarborough Borough council has approved plans to upgrade its CCTV network for £366,000. 

 

The decision is based on reports showing that the borough's current surveillance equipment is nearing the end of its service life. The report also showed that CCTV cameras currently being used to monitor the town's centre are more than 20 years old and have not been upgraded for the last 20 years. 

 

CCTV footage has played a crucial role in solving serious crimes in the borough, including the murder of Solomon Robison. Evidence secured by CCTV operators has also led to the conviction of five men for the crime. The cameras have also been used to secure prosecutions for fly-tipping and licensing breaches, disrupt a county line drug dealing operation and prevent suicide attempts. 

 

Cllr Carl Maw, cabinet member for stronger communities and housing, said: "There are understandable concerns from some people when we talk about surveillance and its infringement on civil liberties, or when CCTV technology gets into the wrong hands."

 

"Unfortunately, we do need to strike a balance with individual freedoms and stopping other people from violating other individuals' freedoms. So CCTV is an important necessity."