New CCTV cameras to monitor city's crime hotspots

The cameras will be installed in phases over the next two years

Fourteen new CCTV cameras are to be installed in Preston city centre with the aim of improving surveillance of known crime hotspots.

The cameras will fill important gaps in the existing live monitoring network, the city council has said.

It said it was part of the authority's ongoing commitment to making streets safer and help prevent violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Freddie Bailey, cabinet member for community safety, said the cameras were an "important step in improving safety in our city centre".

The authority said the new cameras will target areas that have seen significant changes since the city's original CCTV system was installed.

'Support police'

The new coverage will focus primarily on the southern side of Fishergate and Church Street, including Mount Street, Winckley Street, Cannon Street, and Bolton's Court.

Additional cameras will address gaps on the northern side of the city centre, including Fox Street and Church Row.

With more residential accommodation and the relocation of evening entertainment venues, it said it had reviewed routes used to access transport, paying particular attention to low-light areas and known locations for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Bailey said: "By targeting key routes and known hotspots, we can deter crime, support police investigations, and make people feel more confident when they are out and about."

The installation will take place in three phases over two years.

Phase one covering Mount Street and Winckley Square will begin this year and the remaining phases will be completed the following year.