Trafford towns set for CCTV boost

9:00am Friday 29th February 2008

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VISITORS to Sale town centre and Old Trafford will soon have direct contact with Trafford Council's closed circuit television (CCTV) control room.

This is the result of the installation of four new electronic help points that aim to direct resources to the person while at the same time offering support and reassurance.

The help points will enable people who need to report suspicious activity or who are in fear for whatever reason, to have CCTV immediately focused on them to offer reassurance and help reduce the fear of crime.

Each point will have a button that, if pressed, will direct the nearest CCTV camera towards it and will enable the user to speak to an operator at the town hall control room. The operator can then direct CCTV surveillance to a particular incident or area as well as contact emergency services if necessary.

Work began this week on installing the points, which will be located in Sale town centre and on Ayres Road in Old Trafford.

The points, which have been paid for by the Safer Trafford Partnership, are only to be used in an emergency situation. They are expected to be fully operational by the beginning of March.

Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick of Trafford Police said: "Help points are yet another way of reducing the fear of crime in public areas and increasing people's capacity to use and enjoy town centre areas.

"We have listened to Trafford residents and they have told us that CCTV makes them feel safer as they go about their daily business and we believe that the help points will make it an even more effective tool in deterring and detecting street crime."

Inspector Brendan O'Brien of the Sale Neighbourhood Policing Team added: "The help points are another example of the measures we have implemented in Sale to enable people to feel safer. In addition, from this week onwards, there will be dedicated officers from the Sale Neighbourhood Police Team on duty in the town centre every Friday and Saturday evening to prevent alcohol related disorder. They will also be in a position to answer any call for assistance from the help points."

Executive councillor for Community Safety, John Reilly, said: "It is essential that, no matter what time of day or night, residents feel secure while in our town centres. The contact points provide a direct link from a person on the street to someone who can provide assistance instantly in the event of an emergency at the touch of a button.

"It will ensure that in an emergency, the police can be alerted to an incident immediately. Plus, in the time before the police arrive, the incident can be monitored by CCTV so that evidence can be gathered or further assistance can be provided if required."