Local Crime Reports

Mobile CCTV Van Takes To The Road

The fight against crime and anti-social behaviour has taken to the road in
Wakefield district with the introduction of a CCTV van.

Police and partners unveiled their latest weapon on bonfire night when the
van hit the streets for the first time to help maintain the safety of
crowds attending bonfire events in the district.

The van was deployed for patrols around Ossett as the town's bonfire, which
drew crowds of around 3,000, took place. It later moved on to Wakefield
city centre to ensure the safety of night-time revellers.

The vehicle is owned by Wakefield Council and operated under a joint
funding agreement with Wakefield District Police. Purchased second hand
from another local authority it is clearly marked and highly visible
bearing the logos of the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership (Police,
Council, Wakefield and District Housing).

The van is equipped with powerful roof-mounted CCTV cameras which are
linked by mobile technology to the council CCTV control room. It can also
record its own TV images to on-board recording devices.

It will be appearing at anti-social behaviour hot spots across the district
and will primarily be used by Neighbourhood Policing Teams to tackle local
problems reported by members of the public at Partners and Communities
Together (PACT) meetings.

Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan believes that the
van will be a great asset, saying: “Mobile CCTV vans act as a deterrent to
prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, assist the prosecution of those
who are determined to behave in such a manner and provide a highly visible
means of reassurance to members of the community. I am delighted that we
now have this highly effective tool at our disposal.”

Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Olivia Rowley
said: "CCTV is an excellent tool in helping us tackle antisocial behaviour.
By combining the technology on this vehicle with the expertise of our CCTV
control room and the police we are in an even stronger position to make our
streets safer."