CCTV decision time for town's traders
TRADERS in Wadebridge have a week to sign up to a scheme that could see dozens of new CCTV cameras installed in the town.
The chamber of commerce is appealing for as many businesses as possible to support the crime-busting plan so that it can bulk-buy the cameras at a lower cost.
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CCTV CALL: Wadebridge Chamber of Commerce chairman, Dominic Walford, is urging traders to sign up to the crime-busting scheme.
The move follows escalating burglaries to shops in Wadebridge, and the plan is for individual businesses to install CCTV at their premises, with a system costing between £200 and £300.
Chamber chairman, Dominic Walford, said: "I am appealing for shopkeepers and any other business in the town to contact me to be part of the mass buy of CCTV systems for the town to deter crime. They have until the end of next week to let me know if they want to be a part of it. We have a £1,000 grant from the police to put towards the cost of them.
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"Rather than do one big system we are looking at each business having its own and the chamber will bulk-buy them for traders.''
There have been 17 shop break-ins this year, more than the total for the past five years. A recent burglary at Fusion in Molesworth Street resulted in watches valued at £1,000 being stolen.
Mr Walford said: "The chamber would like everyone to act. It seems that thieves are becoming increasingly aware that the town is not under any surveillance.
"The idea is that the chamber (members) use their joint strength to deter thieves and take it upon themselves to install CCTV cameras in their shops and offices.
"The cameras have motion sensors. They can be set to record at certain times and they can ring you on your smart phone when anything is detected."
Mr Walford is arranging a meeting with the town clerk to see if Wadebridge Town Council could contribute to the cost of the cameras.
A chamber of commerce meeting was told this month that Wadebridge Town Council was looking at upgrading the town's CCTV system but the £35,000 cost could prove prohibitive.
Mr Walford said: "I would like to act quickly and by the next chamber meeting be ready to place an order."
Traders wishing to take part should contact Mr Walford via e-mail at dominic.nca@gmail.com or on the mobile number 07875 760933.
Comments
by josdave
Friday, October 05 2012, 11:18AM
“What no comment from the civil liberty/human rights brigade? Perhaps they have been victims and want the offenders caught and realise that CCTV can help that.”