The cameras will monitor activity along Norwich Road between Valley Rd and Civic Drive with three at Barrack Corner. The locations were identified by the Police as the best sites for the cameras and they will be monitored by the Council’s 24-hour Emergency Control Centre. The cameras are funded from the £124,391 awarded to the Council through the government’s Safer Streets Round 3 Fund.
The introduction of greater surveillance will help to deter crime and reduce anti-social behaviour and so help residents, visitors to the area and business owners feel reassured and safer when out and about. These cameras are just one of the measures being put in place to make women and girls, in particular, feel safer in the area.
Cllr Alasdair Ross, Ipswich Borough Council’s Community Protection Portfolio Holder, says:
“This new CCTV will help make life better for people living in this area as not only will they reduce crime but will also reduce the fear of crime. This is just one of the many improvements we are working on as part of our Safer Streets project and we will continue to work hard through our Community Safety Partnership to identify and introduce further improvements to make Ipswich a safer place to live, work and study.”
Police Inspector Domenic Mann, Ipswich Central Safer Neighbourhood Team, says:
“These installations follow public consultation by community partners and the Police with Ipswich residents to find out what would make them feel safer. CCTV provision with other Crime Prevention work can positively deter incidents and help improve public confidence. CCTV can also positively support investigations if required.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, says:
“It’s really important that people feel safe in their homes and their communities so I am delighted to see this investment in CCTV in the Norwich Road area of Ipswich which will help reduce crime and the fear of crime. I hope this additional coverage to the existing network of CCTV cameras in our county town, and the other crime prevention measures funded by this Safer Streets Fund, will provide reassurance to residents and businesses in the area.
“This investment also sends a clear message to those tempted to commit crime in the area that the cameras are being monitored 24/7 and their actions will be recorded which will massively assist the police in securing convictions.”
Other actions we have taken that have been funded by the money awarded from the Fund include personal safety alarms and the rolling out the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign to businesses along Norwich Road. We are also installing new wastebins and removing flyposting to help improve the area.
Event – 15 February
An engagement event is planned for 15 February, 9am to 4pm at Barrack Corner, Norwich Road that will be attended by Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Constabulary to engage with residents and business owners and discuss issues, distribute materials and provide more information about the Safer Streets project.
Further improvements to be funded include an extensive awareness campaign, additional CCTV cameras, a Crimestoppers campaign throughout February and March and replacing the safety mirrors in the St Matthew’s Street subway.
Image credit – Adobe stock
