Wallingford CCTV upgrade 'will tackle anti-social behaviour'

Thirteen new high-definition digital cameras have replaced the outdated analogue system with the aim to provide CCTV operators and emergency services with better picture quality.

The cameras and control room upgrades cost £30,000 and were funded by South Oxfordshire District Council.

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Wallingford Mayor Dan Beauchamp said: “It’s great to see the cameras have been upgraded. This will help tackle some of the issues that we have been experiencing in town.”

The number of incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to police has jumped over the last year in Wallingford, according to year-on-year figures by Thames Valley Police.

Anti-social behaviour refers to an incident reported to police where no criminal offence has been committed.

Cllr Beauchamp said: “If you can see who is doing something then you can do something about it.

“The usefulness of the cameras is only as good as the clarity of the image. Looking at how much better it is really highlights the improvements in technology over the years.”

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However, he said the cameras did not remove the need for police to increase their physical presence in the town.

“You only have to look at shows like Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity to see that people sometimes forget the cameras are there,” he said.

Revd Sarah Nesbitt, assistant rector of the united benefice of Shiplake, Dunsden and Harpsden, often patrols the town on Friday nights in her role as a Wallingford Street Pastor.

The pastors, a team of 18 volunteers who help people on the streets late at night, have reported an increase in suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour.

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Revd Nesbitt hoped that the improved CCTV would reduce these issues.

She said: “Obviously CCTV does provide the police with some of the support that they need. It will help to identify cars and people that suddenly come and go.

“It has the potential to reduce anti-social behaviour. It’s difficult to say whether it will just make people who know they are being watched move somewhere else, or if it's something that can really help to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

In 2022/23, CCTV operators monitored over 180 incidents in Wallingford and supported the police in making 24 arrests. 

South Oxfordshire District Council jointly operates the Abingdon-based CCTV control room with Vale of White Horse District Council.  

Cllr David Rouane, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The new high-definition cameras will ensure our CCTV operators have much clearer picture of what’s happening in Wallingford town centre. The improvement in picture quality will be a real boost should someone need assistance or if footage is needed for a criminal investigation.”