Darlington CCTV operators praised after 61 suspects arrested in one month.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has praised the effectiveness of CCTV in Darlington after footage led to the arrest of 61 suspects in one month.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC has agreed funding worth £250k over the next 10 years - £25k per annum - to support a state-of-the-art upgrade to Darlington’s CCTV network as part of an ambitious improvement project led by Darlington Borough Council worth more than £500k.

The funding will see the replacement of 74 analogue cameras with new models to deliver improved quality images which will ensure that the service continues to be an essential tool in assisting the Police in reducing crime and disorder.

In May, existing CCTV cameras assisted in the arrest of 61 suspects, most often for disturbances (13), while operators logged 455 incidents including 12 for drug-related offences and six for drink driving. A huge proportion of the incidents related to public disturbance (59) and Youth Anti-Social Behaviour (55).

Commenting on the results, Commissioner Allen said: “Residents frequently tell me how much safer CCTV makes them feel. But as these figures prove, the value of this technology goes far beyond reassurance.

“During May, these cameras helped apprehend no fewer than 15 suspects every week – demonstrating the outstanding returns available for investment in this technology. It is thanks to the highly effective and efficient team of operators that such impressive results are possible.

“Advances in technology continue to transform the way the police and partners fight crime today. Since my election, I have promised to ensure our officers are better equipped for the challenging job we ask them to do to keep local people safe and bring offenders to justice. These cameras are making evidence-gathering much more efficient and improving the success of prosecutions. Officers are also able to arrest suspects faster so they can get back to patrolling their communities.

“I will continue to secure the funding the county needs to expand our technical capabilities and maximise the use of officer time and look forward to further results upon completion of the upgrade.”

The upgrade is expected to be completed by November 2023 and work is currently underway with a UK software firm to enable the digital uploading of footage requests from the police to further save officer time and travel.

Councillor Amanda Riley said “Our CCTV operatives do a fantastic job keeping Darlington Residents safe.  We are delighted with this investment to bolster our CCTV capabilities. Working closely with our enforcement officers and local police the CCTV team support crime prevention and prosecution of criminals. We are serious about tackling the issues that matter to our residents and this is a big step in the right direction.”