Based on previous figures, the Home Office is anticipating an increase in overall crime figures during the downturn. In view of this, the BSIA believes that existing security systems and procedures should be maintained. There may even be a case for additional investment to protect both assets and people, and to realise long-term savings in terms of the impact of crime on public and commercial areas.
In an official statement released to the UK’s security media, BSIA CCTV Section chairman Pauline Norstrom commented: “According to recent media reports, some local authorities may be contemplating cutting back on their proactive CCTV monitoring provision. Such a decision should not be taken lightly. A withdrawal of funding will leave town and city centres vulnerable to what may be serious incidents. This is where CCTV operatives come into their own, as they can respond quickly on such occasions.”
Norstrom added: “The police and emergency services will not receive the timely information they require to make prevention decisions and target their resources. This can leave people and assets at a higher level of risk.”
Investment in stringent security
Recession-related crime only highlights the need for investment in stringent security measures to not only prevent crime but also curb the financial, physical and emotional impact that becoming a victim of crime can have. Many businesses and public sector bodies may decide to cut back on security when times are tough but, realistically, this is the time when adequate or even increased security makes more sense.
“CCTV has revolutionised crime detection and prevention in our communities, and successfully contributed to many high profile prosecutions,” summised Norstrom. “By removing a key element – the CCTV operator – the town centre CCTV systems will be effectively inferior to those which would have been operated 10 or 20 years ago. The necessity of being able to take proactive action regarding incidents in the here and now, rather than simply reviewing images after the real damage has been done, cannot be overstated.”
For more information on the work of the BSIA CCTV Section, visit the web link on the right hand panel of this page (which also details practical examples of the success of CCTV).