New measures have been introduced to 'help deter retail crime' in a Nottinghamshire town centre. As many as 24 businesses in Hucknall have now become 'Safe Space Accredited' after 4G Ultra High-Definition CCTV devices were installed at their premises along the high street and town centre to provide high level coverage.
Ashfield District Council says the cameras 'will be used to help deter retail crime and violent offences' as well as being used by the police to assist with criminal investigations. The devices will be filming 24 hours a day, seven days per week to ensure safety for people in Hucknall.
As part of the accreditation, businesses will also receive lighting that is activated once movement is detected and signage. The council said businesses will receive safeguarding training to provide support to people who feel at risk or in danger while in the town.
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The Safe Space accreditation scheme is part of a £150,000 package of measures to improve safety in the town, including £63,333 from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer4All fund and £86,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Some of the funding provided Hucknall with a new Public Spaces Protection Order for Rockwood Walk and installation of an innovative intruder alert.
This also includes a voice activated ‘Safe Point’ camera in the town centre, opposite Boots, which connects to the force control room and three new Public Space CCTV cameras on Baker Street, Central Walk and Annesley Road. Further plans for the funding will include an additional ‘Safe Point’ Camera on Station Road, four rapid deployable cameras on St Mary's Way, Linby Walk, Goodall Crescent, Chatsworth Drive and a state-of-the-art camera for Junction 27 which will be used to tackle car cruising.
Specsavers Opticians and Hearing Centre, on Hucknall High Street, is one of the businesses that has become accredited. Specsavers Manager, Hannah Beale, said: “We are really excited to receive these cameras, we think they are going to be of huge benefit to Hucknall town centre. It’s going to help safety on the high street, especially for women and girls who may need to use this service.”
Cllr John Wilmott, Hucknall North Councillor for the Ashfield Independents on the district council, said: “These cameras are fantastic and will make a real difference to Hucknall. The fact that they are running at all times and capturing high-definition images should work to make women and girls feel safer and deter potential criminals. The cameras, combined with the other projects, should reassure residents that Hucknall is a safer place to visit, work and live.”
Antonio Taylor, community safety manager for Ashfield District Council, added: “We have seen an 18% reduction in anti-social behaviour across Ashfield over the past year, but we are not going to be complacent. We have additional work scheduled to further improve community safety in Hucknall and we will be continuing to run dedicated operations and initiatives with our partners to make Hucknall safer.’’
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry said: “It’s great to see the impact that these safety measures have been having in Hucknall. From speaking to the shops that have joined the Safe Spaces scheme it is clear that it has made their staff and customers feel more secure.’’
“Together with the other measures we have implemented as partner agencies, such as Safe Point cameras, gating of alleyways and diversionary activities for young people, it is making the town an even better place for all who live, work or visit Hucknall.”
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