Dyfed-Powys CCTV should stop after failing to deter crime, review finds

The review found CCTV did not deter violent or alcohol-related crime

CCTV monitoring in the Dyfed-Powys police area should stop after a review found the cameras do not deter crime, a police and crime commissioner says.

The report concluded that police should instead support the use of unmonitored cameras and more mobile CCTV systems.

It also found the removal of cameras in the area did not result in significant rises in crime.

The review comes as many local councils are reducing CCTV funding due to financial pressures.

The inquiry was carried out on behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon, who now recommends:

• Funding for monitoring of CCTV should cease by April. This amounts to around £40,000 in Carmarthenshire

• Public CCTV should remain the responsibility of local authorities, town and community councils

• For authorities and councils that wish to fund CCTV, Mr Salmon will publish a common standard for mobile systems that provide images suitable for court

• The commissioner will consult councils and businesses on the inclusion of CCTV as a requirement for pubs, clubs and other licensed premises

The recommendations will be discussed with the chief constable and council leaders before changes are made.