Community Life

Two new mobile CCTV cameras will join the council’s arsenal of weapons being used in fight against crime and the fear of crime in some of the most troublesome areas in Croydon.

Cllr Steve O’Connell, deputy leader and cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: “CCTV has proven to be extremely useful in helping us to identify criminals and solve crime in the borough.

“We are determined to crack down on crime and these two new CCTV cameras will be another weapon in our armoury helping us, in partnership with the police, to deliver a safer Croydon.”

The move to purchase the high tech equipment follows a successful trial period at the end of last year, where the council tested the camera’s suitability for the borough’s needs.

'I felt safer'

It proved an effective deterrent when deployed to monitor the Pop In Club in New Addington, which had been the target of break-ins and vandalism.

Residents who attend the centre said, they fully supported the use of the mobile cameras. One member, Gloria said: "When the cameras were at the club, we felt much safer".

The cameras which can be mounted on lamp posts or on the side of buildings will transmit images directly to the council’s CCTV control room.

Big brother is watching

The images will then be recorded and can be used in the courts as evidence to prosecute offenders.

Is this money well spent? Will this make Croydon a safer place to live? Send me your views,

Email: evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk