Twenty-six new high-definition CCTV cameras have been installed in the Vale of White Horse, with 20 rolled out across Abingdon and six in Wantage town centre. 

The digital cameras directly replaced the outdated analogue CCTV system and provide CCTV operators with better picture clarity to help support public safety and assist emergency services. 

The cameras and new data transmission circuits, which cost over £150,000, were funded by Vale of White Horse District Council.

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The council jointly operates the Abingdon-based CCTV control room with South Oxfordshire District Council to oversee town centre schemes across both districts. 

Oxford Mail: The new CCTV footage (right) in Abingdon compared to the old footage

The new cameras are also more energy efficient than the existing analogue ones, helping the council reduce its carbon emissions. 

The final stage of this upgrade project is to reinstate a CCTV camera on Wallingford Street in Wantage, with work on this underway.  

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The council’s CCTV service provides an important role in helping the police to keep people safe and detect crime in town centres.

Oxford Mail: The new CCTV footage (right) in Wantage compared to the old footage

In 2022/23, CCTV operators monitored over 1,000 incidents in Abingdon and Wantage and supported the police in making 80 arrests.  

Cllr Helen Pighills, cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities.

"This investment in our CCTV network will ensure operators, local police and emergency services have a clearer picture of what’s happening in Abingdon and Wantage, helping them to respond to and investigate local crime.”