Council CCTV van patrolling Chester city streets to deter crime

Dec 31 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is deploying a mobile CCTV van in busy areas of Chester over the festive period.

The aim is to reassure people who are in the city centre for shopping or recreation and to send the message to criminals and unruly party-goers that anti-social activity will not be tolerated.

From 4pm the van will be parked in various locations so party-goers can see the streets in the city centre are being monitored in conjunction with the fixed CCTV cameras.

Executive member for area and community services, Cllr Lynn Riley, said: “This time of year is all about people having a good time and we are encouraging people to come into the city in the evenings to enjoy themselves.

“CCTV helps us to keep the city safe throughout the year, but the more obvious mobile units just send an extra reminder to everyone to behave in a reasonable way, so everyone gets a chance to go out and enjoy all our city has to offer.

“Those choosing to cause a nuisance will not be tolerated.”

Cllr Tom Parry, who represents Chester’s City ward, said: “Everyone appreciates Christmas is a time for celebration and both the council and Cheshire police want everybody to have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.”