New CCTV network targets “antisocial behaviour”
A “new wave” of CCTV cameras is being launched in Westminster as the borough’s council says that it is stepping up its campaign against “anti-social behaviour and crime blighting the lives of residents.” The network of 100 cameras is being rolled out across the summer in “priority areas” for Westminster residents, with the job of helping the police crackdown on anti-social behaviour and capturing evidence for prosecution in court.
The installation of cameras has already begun, with the first phase being installed on lampposts in strategic locations earlier this month. Crucially, the council says, the cameras are portable and can be moved around the city to tackle issues ranging from anti-social behaviour to fly tipping – a major advantage over fixed position CCTV cameras.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, and CCTV and security firm North. The feed from the cameras will be monitored at a control centre in Hammersmith & Fulham.
The Westminster cameras use specialist audio and noise detection AI technology, which will alert the control centre to potential incidents and provide immediate access to supporting footage. The audio detection technology works by detecting noise levels that exceed the defined parameters and can identify noises such as screams, explosions and gunshots.
The new surveillance system will be the first time Westminster City Council has run its own public realm CCTV cameras since 2017 when the previous network was closed, and one-off capital funding was given to the Metropolitan Police to acquire their own cameras.
While Police-run cameras will continue to monitor pan-London hot spot areas in the West End and Covent Garden, the new council system will concentrate on addressing problems that most affect local people.
