Lancashire Police wants locals to register security cameras

Footage from video doorbells could be used as evidence to catch criminals

A police force has asked the public to register their home security cameras to help gather crucial evidence to help investigate crimes.

Lancashire Constabulary has been using the NICE INVESTIGATE system since July 2021 with businesses registering their CCTV and other recording devices.

The force is now expanding the initiative to residential systems.

Lancashire Police said it would not have access to the cameras and all footage provided would be voluntary. 

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Procter said it would act as a digital neighbourhood watch. 

"NICE INVESTIGATE is an incredible tool that can quickly and efficiently locate cameras in an area where we may be able to source crucial evidence to aid our investigations," he said.

"Footage can, therefore, be used to prove or disprove allegations against a suspect leading to faster investigations and a better outcome for victims.

Assistant Chief Constable Procter said he wanted to make it clear the force would not have access to the cameras

"In our experience we know that a lot of criminals are opportunistic so having some security precautions in place can act as a deterrent for your own personal property.

"Nice2Share goes a step further and is an ask for people to help others in their community should their cameras catch something that could help."

This system details the location of potential video footage, which can be requested for evidence.

'Eyes and ears'

When a crime is reported, the area can be scanned to search for potential video evidence and if a camera is identified, Lancashire Police can request the footage to be shared with the force to support the investigation. 

Lancashire Police said it would have not have access to the cameras and all footage provided was voluntary. 

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire's police and crime commissioner, said it would "greatly strengthen our ability to catch criminals and help to protect the law abiding majority of people in the county". 

"Our officers can't be everywhere all the time and so the public are so often the eyes and ears that help us stop criminals in their tracks," he said.