Wrexham’s CCTV helps with more than 30,000 arrests over 20 years

Wrexham’s CCTV network has helped police to make more than 30,000 arrests during the last 20 years.

The figure was revealed by Wrexham Council, whose team of staff monitor more than 80 cameras positioned around the town centre each day.

North Wales Police said that having the surveillance available is invaluable in the fight to tackle crime.

Wanted for offences in Deeside by @NWPolice and turning up in @wrexham Town Centre is not the wisest of moves. One off to Custody.#wetalk #shareinformation #partnershipworking

— TCC Wrecsam CCTV (@WcmTCCWxmCCTV) July 4, 2018

During the first year the cameras were introduced in 1996, officials said crime reduced by more than 50 per cent and the partnership between the local authority and police has gone from strength to strength.

Inspector Paul Wycherley, who is responsible for policing in the town centre, said: “Wrexham’s CCTV helps us do our job every day. We have the live feeds on our desktop computers, we are always connected and have two dedicated town centre officers and four PCSOs who are all connected to the CCTV.

“In the last few weeks alone, CCTV has helped us to locate missing people, drink drivers and make arrests after a large public disorder incident on High Street.

“The quality of the staff in CCTV control are what makes the real difference, they are of a very high calibre and are well equipped and well trained.”

The team of seven received a national award in 1999 and helps to monitor large events, such as the recent sell out Stereophonics gig and football matches, as well as the town’s night time economy.

Assisted @NWPWrexhamTown this morning in locating a Male who was wanted for a Public Order Offence. Partnership working delivering good results for @wrexham.

— TCC Wrecsam CCTV (@WcmTCCWxmCCTV) July 3, 2018

Deputy leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Hugh Jones, hailed the initiative as ‘highly successful’.

Cllr Jones, who is also lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community safety said: “We are lucky to have such a dedicated CCTV team based in Wrexham county borough. It is instrumental in assisting partner organisations to make arrests and keep Wrexham streets safe.

“CCTV and incident response work hand in hand and have been exceptionally successful in reducing and deterring crime in the county borough.”

As well as operating CCTV cameras, the team also monitors alarms for all council buildings and works 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Observed a wanted Female in @Wrexham Town Centre who attempts to evade capture by jumping into a Taxi. She's now with our good friends of North Wales Police.#Nicetry #Wrexham

— TCC Wrecsam CCTV (@WcmTCCWxmCCTV) June 28, 2018

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).