CCTV security boost
Nine new cameras for city centre to tackle criminals
Perth and Kinross Council has said nine extra CCTV cameras are going to be installed in the city centre to deter people from engaging in anti-social behaviour and other criminal activities at night.
The announcement comes after a number of concerned residents complained to the council about youths congregating and behaving badly at several locations around the city not currently covered by cameras.
People responding to a council consultation asked for cameras to be put in the vennels and at both inches as well as the White Bridge, Rae Place, Rodney Gardens, Riverside Park and Bellwood Park to discourage large groups from loitering and causing a nuisance at night.
The responses, obtained by the PA using Freedom of
Information legislation, reveal residents believe incidents of anti-social behaviour are occurring more and more frequently at these locations.
One respondent remarked:“In recent months there has been an increase of youths gathering at the North
Inch.
“They gather at the benches by the river, consume alcohol and smoke, because they feel out of sight as there are no lights or cameras there.”
Another said of the
White Bridge/Rae Place area:“In the last couple of years there [has been] a high number of serious criminal [offences] in these areas including ... drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults [and] fights.
“This area is well known to local police.”
Some respondents also called for more cameras to be rolled out in places like Kinross, citing similar concerns about large groups forming and causing misery among locals.
One respondent told PKC:“We urgently need CCTV in Kinross as the level of anti-social behaviour and damage being done by gangs of teenagers is at an all-time high and totally unacceptable.
“Something needs to be done now.” A council spokesperson advised the PA this week that new cameras are now going to be installed at the South Inch, beside the Lade on Inchaffray Street, Stanley Crescent and in the White Bridge/Rae Place area to address some of the concerns raised during the six-week long consultation. The spokesperson said:“Everyone in Perth and Kinross deserves to live life well, feeling safe and without worrying about anti-social behaviour. “In response to the recent consultation, the council together with its community safety partners at Police Scotland will be increasing the number of CCTV cameras operating in the city centre from 35 to 44. “We can confirm that CCTV cameras are also in operation at the park and ride sites at Broxden, Scone and Kinross. “There are no plans at this time to further extend current CCTV provision locally.
“If anyone has concerns about antisocial behaviour or crime, we would urge them to contact our safer communities wardens and/or Police Scotland in the first instance.”
Tunnels at the South Inch are among the areas where the new CCTV will be