Spalding CCTV cameras were involved with 22 arrests in 2024, new data shows

People feel safer for having CCTV in town says a leading councillor — as new figures show that the system was involved with 22 arrests last year.

Spalding Town Forum was presented with an update on the use of the roaming and static cameras which cover the area.

These show that the cameras were involved with a total of 22 arrests and 82 incidents during the last calendar year. The cameras are also used to provide evidence packs for the police.

South Holland District Council’s portfolio holder for public protection Coun Anthony Casson told the meeting: “I speak to a lot of people in town who say they feel safer having the cameras there.”

Coun Gary Taylor was also keen to highlight that the data shows that the cameras were also used for searching for people.

He said: “It is very interesting data as we do historically associate CCTV with crime, anti-social behaviour and public order. But 17.5% is involved with searching for missing people. We will all know how we would feel if a family member or friend was missing. It is worthwhile highlighting that CCTV protects vulnerable members of society.”

The data also shows that the highest use of the cameras — in 37.5% of cases — was for ‘violence and sexual’ offences.

Coun Ingrid Sheard, who has previously questioned the effectiveness of the town’s CCTV, raised concerns at the last meeting about the positioning of the camera near the public toilets in the Sheep Market.

She said: “In my opinion they are not particularly positioned in a way that utilises them to the best effect.”

The town received new cameras, which were installed in 18 key spots, during 2022.

Last year Coun Aaron Spencer said he had ‘lost all confidence’ in the cameras after windows of one of his properties were vandalised — but the system was later defended by Insp Matt Dickinson.

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…