Warminster and Westbury’s recently revamped CCTV network is showing promising results in aiding the police in their duties and helping to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Recently, two youths were identified for graffitiing the skate park in the Lake Pleasure Grounds with racist language and for throwing a portaloo in the lake. The Youth Offending Team have sanctioned them to a ninety-day supervision period, which will incur regular visits. Should they fail to comply with this order then they are likely to receive a criminal record (a youth caution) which would last for three years but would show up on an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) for the rest of their days.
Another youth who damaged security fencing while the Tennis Courts were being refurbished has been referred to the Youth Offending Team where they have been directed to work with them for 90 days. This is to address their behaviour and provide appropriate guidance to prevent reoffending.
Five other youths involved with criminal damage in the park have recently completed community resolutions. This included litter picking in local areas as well having to send handwritten letters of apology.
Fortunately the Town Park has a relatively low level of crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the town council is determined to keep it that way and efforts of the police combined with the new cameras’ capabilities is showing clear signs of progress in the effort to protect our spaces.
A serial shop lifter was also identified and caught with a consequent sentence of eighteen weeks in prison. Shoplifting has been an ongoing problem for Warminster as well as many other small towns and can have a devastating toll on businesses. The role of CCTV is incredibly important as it gives the police a previously unmatched ability to identify suspects. Warminster Town Council also runs a Shopwatch scheme which allows shops to contact each other by radio and pass on information about shoplifters to the police and other businesses.
These are just some of a number of examples of vandalism, theft and antisocial behaviour that the CCTV has played a key role in combating. It is important to protect the town’s assets, such as its park, businesses and most importantly, the resident themselves. Having the benefit of a modern CCTV system is an asset to the community and town, and the updated system is proving incredibly effective and far superior to the previous camera setup.
End.
Photo attached – Police at Warminster CCTV.
For more information contact Tom Dommett, Town Clerk, Warminster Town Council, Tel: 01985 214847. email: admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk.
Last modified: 27 July 2023
