CCTV provision in the Vale of Glamorgan has been given a twenty-first century make-over with the inclusion of the digital Synergy system at its operator-controlled suite in the centre of Barry.
The new suite, which opened in April, includes the best technology available and is the result of one year’s collaborative working between the Safer Vale Partnership and the Quadrant Security Group.
The Synergy system enables immediate digital recording and download facilities. Operators can instantly access recorded footage allowing them to direct emergency services straight to an incident. The system also allows each camera position to be preset so that a different area can be monitored at different times of the day.
Cllr Paul Church, cabinet member for housing and community safety and chair of the Safer Vale partnership, said: “The new CCTV control suite is a vital tool in helping the Safer Vale Partnership to fight crime. I am very pleased that our operators are working so efficiently with the new technology and helping to keep the crime rate in the Vale of Glamorgan very low.”
CCTV is one of the many methods used by the council to assist the Safer Vale Partnership in reducing crime and disorder in the Vale of Glamorgan.
CCTV footage contributed to 381 arrests between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010, while regular local media reports on CCTV successes assist in reassuring the public the Vale is still a safe place to live and work.
Superintendent Jay Dave from Vale of Glamorgan Police said: “The CCTV suite provides an invaluable tool to help the Safer Vale Partnership keep the Vale of Glamorgan one of the safest places in the country for people to live, work and visit.
“South Wales Police works closely with the CCTV unit and receives considerable support in tracking criminals and controlling anti-social behaviour.”
Safer Vale is a partnership of local authority, police, fire and rescue, health, probation and voluntary agencies working together to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the Vale of Glamorgan.
For more information call 01446 700111 or visit www.safervale.co.uk.
