CCTV signage brings 'welcomed' reduction in crime

CCTV signage in Ipswich has seen targeted crime drop by a quarter

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has welcomed a new CCTV signage initiative after it contributed to a 26% reduction in crime.

The scheme, introduced in Ipswich in 2022, was designed to reduce anti-social behaviour by drawing attention to CCTV.

The signs have been installed in more than 20 locations in the town.

Suffolk's PCC, Tim Passmore, said he now hoped to expand the initiative into more areas of the county.

"We've got some wonderful market towns from Beccles to Framlingham and we need to do what we possibly can do collectively to keep people safe and crime levels down," Conservative Mr Passmore said.

The signs were designed using global research that showed images of eyes have been used in many settings to deter people from anti-social behaviour.

They are designed to not only highlight the presence of CCTV but also natural surveillance provided by members of the public.

Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore hopes to extend the initiative into other parts of Suffolk

The signage was funded through the government's Safer Streets 4 fund and has been brought to fruition with the help of Ipswich Borough Council, the police and other agencies.

According to the council, the initiative "collectively supported" a 26% reduction in crimes in the town since July 2022.

The authority and partner agencies were awarded £499,588 to deliver training, increase resources and purchase equipment to "challenge perception and increase confidence" in the area.

"I hope going forward we can make sure people realise Ipswich is a good town, it is a safe place to visit and this is exactly what we need," Mr Passmore added.

'Traumatised'

The police and other partners credited the town's comprehensive CCTV coverage in helping convict defendants in the murder of teenager Raymond James Quigley.

Mr Passmore said "without any doubt" the initiative had been worth it.

"That terrible murder in the middle of the day was absolutely shocking," he continued.

"I think everybody felt traumatised to think that would happen in Westgate Street.

"The fact that we were able to collect the evidence via CCTV cameras and bring the offenders to justice is of course exactly what we want."

Speaking about the 26% reduction in crime in the town, Mr Passmore added: "That's huge and long may it continue."

Mr Passmore was recently elected in his role for a fourth time.

He received 52,968 votes in the elections earlier this month and beat second place Sir Robin Wales (Labour) by 11,234 votes.