New CCTV cameras already cracking down on crime

A new CCTV system in Felixstowe has already helped Suffolk Police capture crimes in action.

The upgrade was put in earlier this month and means there are now 39 cameras in operation compared to 16 previously.

The footage is also in Ultra High Definition (UHD) and East Suffolk Council says this will deliver sharper images and cover a wider area.

Paul Ashton, Deputy Leader of East Suffolk Council said: "We're pleased to see the CCTV upgraded and already being utilised during our busy summer season in Felixstowe."

The new system has been designed to cover areas where there has been increased crime and anti-social behaviour.

The cameras will also be monitored 24/7 by West Suffolk Council under a contract agreement.

Ashton said: "The new system allows us to work closely with Suffolk Constabulary and gives them the ability to view live incidents, and footage."

The CCTV upgrade received £42,000 funding from Felixstowe Town Council, though the full cost of the cameras has not been revealed.

Darren Aitchison, Mayor of Felixstowe, said: "It is extremely encouraging that, within just a short time of becoming operational, the new system has already supported the reporting of local incidents."

Ren Armstrong and his wife Jill live in the town.

Ren said they had witnessed anti-social behaviour including people "lighting fires" and "smoking cannabis".

He added: "Hopefully it'll stop a lot of petty crimes costing people and the community money all the time. Otherwise, the prices just keep going up and up and up."

His wife Jill agreed: "Anything to keep the community safe."

Mick Thick also lives in the town and says it is the cars and motorbikes driving around making noise at night that cause the problems

He said: "I think it's the cars and the bikes really, later at night time, especially down near the Viewpoint Road down there. That's bad, I live down there and at night time that get worse."

He approves of the new cameras: "I know they put some down by, Beach Station Road to stop the young lads with their motorbikes and stuff."

"It's a good thing," he added.

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