Fresh ‘eyes’ on Mapperley
COUNCIL HAS INVESTED £17,000 TO UPGRADE CCTV CAMERAS IN TOWN’S ‘CRIME HOTSPOT’
NEW CCTV cameras have been put up in Mapperley to stop criminal damage, thefts from cars and businesses being targeted by shoplifters.
Councillor John Clarke, leader of Gedling Borough Council, said around £17,000 had been spent on the cameras to ensure that Plains Road became a safe and up-andcoming place to eat, drink and shop.
Councillor Clarke said the upgraded cameras would provide police with strong footage and deter those who come to the area to commit crime.
Businesses in the area said there had been reports of anti-social behaviour, cars being broken into, and criminal damage to businesses.
One shop said that the area had a large elderly population and it would provide them with reassurance that the cameras would be visible.
Tony Gregoriou, owner of The Plains fish and chip shop, said: “I think it is a good idea. It will keep everyone safe and if anything happens, you have got it on video.
“There have been incidents where people have pinched things from the charity shops and stolen things out of cars. Some days you get young lads messing about.
“It is nice someone will be keeping an eye on them. There is a lot of elderly people here and you have to look after them. These days there is nowhere safe.
“I have been here for two years, I was in Stapleford years ago, and I have never had problems but you never know. There is always a first time.”
Owner Ted Smith from Smith Family Butchers in Plains Road, said: “I think it is a good idea.
“In general, Plains Road is safe but when you get to Mapperley Top there is a few people that have been dumped there with drug problems I believe.
“They are sometimes the ones that cause problems with break-ins and things being smashed.
“I think the people against cameras are the ones doing something wrong. For law-abiding citizens, cameras don’t bother you.”
The four CCTV cameras across Plains Road have been upgraded because the previous lot showed ‘grainy’ footage and the council want the footage to stand up in court.
They will be monitored from the council’s CCTV control room.
Councillor Clarke said over recent years, the face of Mapperley Plains has ‘changed significantly’, as more businesses have opened, with a number of bars, restaurants and takeaways.
He said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to upgrade these cameras across a huge stretch of one of the busiest parts of the borough.
“We’ve seen great results with our other CCTV cameras elsewhere that we’ve installed or upgraded and I have no doubt these will be just as effective in supporting our communities.
“One of the council’s priorities is to reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime which is why we are investing in CCTV in known hot spots.”
I think the people against cameras are the ones doing something wrong. Ted Smith from Smith Family Butchers