A police inspector in east Swindon is calling for more CCTV cameras to help prevent crime surrounding restaurants and bars in Old Town.

Insp Roger Bull commented that he was surprised with the lack of CCTV in Old Town and believes that more surveillance cameras placed in car parks and streets surrounding licensed premises could help to cut down on the amount of crime through alcoholism in the area.

The call for CCTV has come following police attempts to tackle anti-social behaviour by setting up Operation Diamond in 2010. Operation Diamond saw extra police resources from other areas of Swindon assisting in Old Town on weekends in an attempt to keep drunken behaviour under control and to a minimum. The operation has seen arrests for drunken behaviour and theft. Officers have also visited over 3,000 licensed premises in the area to make sure they are being run to the standard expected.

Insp Bull stressed that the idea behind the extra surveillance would not be to stop people enjoying themselves on nights out, but to protect people’s safety. He also added that the cameras wouldn’t necessary prevent the crimes from taking place either, but would be a great help to the police who would be able to playback the evidence to catch those suspected of participating in criminal activity.

Shop-owners in Swindon were also calling for extra CCTV cameras in the area in 2010 following drunken behaviour which involved various businesses in the area being vandalised.

The police are currently collaborating with the council to maintain the safe atmosphere.

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