New CCTV cameras have been installed in Enfield Town to help people feel safer and to combat crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly involving young people.
The 10 high-definition cameras in seven locations have been paid for and installed by Enfield Council down Holly Walk and alongside St. Andrew’s Enfield Church, following a number of incidents in the area, some of which involved knife crime.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, Cllr Nneka Keazor, said: “We had to take positive steps to help reduce crime in this area and restore confidence. Following some concerning incidents involving a small number of people, we engaged with members of the public to see what we could do to reassure and protect them. The number one request of the Council was for CCTV. We have listened and delivered.
“The cameras will give us the opportunity to react rapidly to emerging issues and help the police and other partners act quickly and decisively to gather evidence, identify perpetrators and protect those living, working and studying in Enfield Town.”
The main issue of concern was that pupils from nearby schools were being targeted. Valuable conversations took place between Council officers and its CCTV contractor, the local church, schools, the police and community groups to see how best to deter further criminal incidents. The installation was challenging as the area is a conservation site and the Council needed to remain sympathetic to the Town’s heritage.
As well as fitting cameras, some benches have been removed to dissuade loitering and anti-social behaviour; anecdotal evidence from residents has shown this has already had a positive effect since the start of the new school term. Before the cameras went ‘live’ they were shown to the headteacher of neighbouring Enfield Grammar School, Mr Chris Lamb.
The cameras are linked to Enfield Council’s state-of-the-art control centre which has over 1,000 cameras connected to its network which are monitored 24 hours a day to deter criminals, help police catch offenders and gather evidence for prosecutions. The award winning facility is based in Edmonton.
If you would like to contact the police about a crime, there are many ways in which you can do so. The Met Police accepts reports online or you can call the non-emergency service on 101. You can also make an anonymous report with CrimeStoppers or call 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.