4:00pm Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Jen Rivett
A DATABASE of all Carterton’s privately-owned CCTV cameras is being compiled in the fight against crime.
Thames Valley Police has been going door-to-door in the town to try to establish the shops which have their own systems.
The database can then be used by police to gather evidence.
Inspector Mark Johns, who is overseeing the project, said: “A lot of business premises have lots of different systems. We would like to know what they have to support us in the prevention and detection of crimes.
“When a crime occurs outside or inside a shop, we have to go around knocking on doors to find out what information is available.
“This is to make sure we know who to contact and the quality of information that we can use.”
Since Friday, volunteers Richard Whatmore and Ron Hollis have been handing out letters to shopkeepers, asking them to fill out a questionnaire about the type of CCTV they use.
Irene Fowkes, manager of Helen and Douglas House charity shop, said: “When we first opened, the shoplifting was horrendous.
“The CCTV database would be absolutely brilliant as Somerfield gets lots of shoplifters too.”
Kevin Hayes, manager of Swinton Insurance, said: “That is a good idea . . . now the police know exactly where to go and what to look for.”
If the Carterton pilot is successful, it will be rolled out to the rest of West Oxfordshire.
Carterton will get four CCTV cameras in the coming months.
Insp Johns said: “The perception of antisocial behaviour is far greater than the actual antisocial behaviour.
“Carterton does get a large number of people in the town, but both the neighbourhood police and the local neighbourhood action groups as well as the town council, are doing a lot of positive work around this.”
Maureen and Bryan Webb, owners of Shillbrook Stationery, welcomed CCTV in the town.
Mrs Webb said: “I do think if we have CCTV it would be excellent, especially as we get problems around the back of the shop.
“Anything that helps prevent crime.”
Mr Webb added: “Most of the problems are underage drinking.”
Linda Moore, a partner of Giles Sport, Toys and Cycles, said: “Witney has CCTV, so why doesn’t Carterton?
“We need it so that Carterton can continue to thrive as a safe centre.”
However, Mr Hayes said: “Most of the crime is mainly young children and I think CCTV for young children is an over-reaction — put an extra bobby on the beat.”
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