CCTV cameras ‘shot at’ and bricks thrown
FOOTAGE TO BE CHECKED TO SEE IF CULPRIT HAS BEEN RECORDED ATTACKING IT
CCTV cameras are being targeted by vandals across Grimsby - and it’s hoped they’ve been caught in the act.
The latest one to have to be taken down was on Stortford Street, Grimsby.
Data from the camera will be studied to see if the culprit has been recorded throwing the brick at the camera, attached to a lamp post.
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The criminal damage was caused earlier this week and council staff removed the camera for repair.
Cameras were installed near the former Freshney House site because it was regularly used for fly-tipping. There were also frequent arson attacks at the site.
The redundant block was bought up and transformed into 29 highly-desireable riverside apartments with enviable views of Millennium Park. Swan House, as it was renamed opened in the spring.
Cameras continued to monitor the area. But earlier in the week a brick was thrown at one of them.
North East Lincolnshire Council safer communities portfolio holder, Councillor Ron Shepherd said: “Someone threw a brick at it. It is being replaced, so was taken down. Sadly these are regular occurrences. We had one on Milton Road shot at with an air rifle.
“It is unacceptable. These cameras are there for public safety. They are there for a variety of reasons, either to catch people fly-tipping or identifying antisocial behaviour. They are not there for fun. It is ridiculous that anyone would damage them deliberately. It is devilment.”
He added: “Considering the investment we are putting into a new system of CCTV, it is annoying that we are trying to protect parks and open spaces and someone thinks it is clever to damage them. They are for everyone’s public safety.”
As well as improved lighting, seven new CCTV cameras are being installed in Grimsby’s West Marsh. Three new automatic number plate recognition cameras are also being installed.
These can recognise vehicles using the roads on a regular basis and regular times. It is useful for police intelligence gathering when the number plate is checked and found to be registered in Liverpool, Manchester or other big cities and linked to crime.
Anyone suspicious of criminal damage was urged to contact Humberside Police by calling 101.