Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systems are an increasingly common crime prevention initiative across the region. CCTV is most often used around public space in town centres, on public housing estates, in car parks and within shopping centres.

Three towns in North Wiltshire benefit from fully monitored CCTV coverage. Successful bids to the Home Office CCTV initiative helped to fund these schemes.

The mechanisms under which CCTV aims to reduce crime:

Deterrence – The potential offender becomes aware of the presence of CCTV, assess the risks of offending in this location and chooses either not to offend or offends elsewhere.

Efficient Deployment – CCTV cameras allow those monitoring a scene to assess whether police assistance is required. This ensures police resources are only called upon when necessary.

Detection – CCTV cameras capture the images of offences taking place. This evidence can lead to prosecution.

Reduced Fear of Crime – Where CCTV cameras are deployed there is a reduced fear of crime.

North Wiltshire currently has the following CCTV units:

Town	Launch Date	Number of Cameras	Number of Monitors
Chippenham	1998	13 cameras (9 operational 4-in-situ/no operating	12 monitors
Wootton Bassett	1999	13 cameras	18 monitors
Calne	2001	8 cameras	6 monitors

For further information, including information about the data controller for each scheme, please contact the Community Safety Officer – Telephone 01249 706416 or email: community@northwilts.gov.uk

For information about Data Protection relating to CCTV usage you can download the document below ‘Guidance on data protection and CCTV', published by the Information Commissioner; or visit the Information Commissioner’s website at www.ico.gov.uk

Guidance on Data Protection and CCTV (PDF 135Kb)