CRIME is again down in Enniskillen town centre after Fermanagh District Council published their 2013/2014 CCTV Annual Report.
The Enniskillen CCTV Scheme has now completed its sixth full year of operation. During the past year, the CCTV Monitoring Room Staff observed 909 incidents, an average of 2.5 incidents per day and the scheme has contributed to a 4% reduction in crime in the area from last year.
Since the first year in operation, CCTV has contributed to a 20.4% decrease in crime within Enniskillen town centre and a 48.9% reduction in crime from the 2005 baseline figures (prior to the introduction of the Enniskillen Town Centre CCTV Scheme).
CCTV images were used in the preparation of 59 police prosecution files, whilst the Police Ombudsman’s Office made four viewing requests. There was one ‘Subject Access Request’ from a member of the public during the 2013-2014 year.
Reflecting on the figures councillor Paul Robinson, chairman of Fermanagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, commented: “These figures demonstrate the continuing effectiveness of the system in contributing to tackling problems in the area and helping to bring criminals to justice. The scheme is also helping to make our communities a safer place to live in, work in and visit.”
The CCTV scheme provides a proactive role. Monitoring room operators have already developed a feel for the town centre and with the help of the Business Watch programme and the Licensed Vintners Radio Link system, Monitoring Room Staff and the police are able to identify incidents at an early stage.
The scheme contributes to the overall community safety strategy in Enniskillen town centre and local businessman and member of the CCTV Working Group Pat Blake believes people have an increased feeling of security as a result.
“The continuing success clearly demonstrates the contribution that CCTV is making to reducing crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. It is providing reassurance for the public, additional security for the business community and is sending out a very clear message to criminals intending to operate in Enniskillen that they should expect to be caught and prosecuted.”
He added: “Our CCTV is currently under review. It’s a partnership between Fermanagh District Council, the PSNI and Enniskillen town traders. It is vital that everyone contributes to the future of Enniskillen’s CCTV Scheme as ultimately we are all benefiting from it.”
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