New CCTV network to tackle antisocial behaviour

A new wave of CCTV cameras is being launched in Westminster as the City Council steps up its campaign against anti-social behaviour and crime blighting the lives of residents.

The network of 100 cameras is being rolled out across the summer in priority areas for Westminster residents, with the job of helping the police crackdown on anti-social behaviour and capturing evidence for prosecution in court.

The installation of cameras has already begun, with the first phase being installed on lampposts in strategic locations earlier this month.

Crucially, the cameras are portable and can be moved around the city to tackle issues ranging from anti-social behaviour to fly tipping - a major advantage over fixed position CCTV cameras.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, and CCTV and Security firm North. The feed from the cameras will be monitored at a control centre in Hammersmith & Fulham.

The Westminster cameras use specialist audio and noise detection AI technology, which will alert the control centre to potential incidents and provide immediate access to supporting footage. The audio detection technology works by detecting noise levels that exceed the defined parameters and can identify noises such as screams, explosions and gunshots.

The new surveillance system will be the first time Westminster City Council has run its own public realm CCTV cameras since 2017 when the previous network was closed, and one-off capital funding was given to the Metropolitan Police to acquire their own cameras.

While Police-run cameras will continue to monitor pan-London hot spot areas in the West End and Covent Garden, the new council system will concentrate on addressing problems that most affect local people.

Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council Leader, said:

"Anti-social behaviour and crime in our communities blights the lives of residents across Westminster and as a Council we want to do what we can to help tackle it.

"We're pleased to be working in partnership with Hammersmith and Fulham on this new CCTV camera network, which will help keep an eye on ASB hotspots in local communities across the Westminster. The footage will also assist the police in identifying wrongdoers and provide the evidence to support work to design out crime.

"The safety of our residents is the council's top priority, and we want to play our part in helping keep our streets safer and to ensure that residents feel more secure in their own homes."

Andrew Foster, Managing Director for Public Services at North, said:

"We are delighted to be working with Westminster City Council to deploy leading-edge Public Space CCTV technology that will create safer and smarter environments for residents.

"This flagship project is a great example of collaborative working between local authorities, with the new CCTV network feeding into Hammersmith and Fulham Council's innovative control centre.

"Enhanced Public Space CCTV is a vital intervention in the effort to make public spaces safer to live in and visit. The project serves as a prime illustration as to how Westminster City Council is making effective use of resources whilst prioritising the safety of its residents."

Published: 23 July 2024