CCTV cameras, commissioned by the Tshwane Metro Council three years ago, have helped to reduce crime and traffic violations in the inner city. And now the council is hoping to get public support to extend their range into neighbouring areas.
Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson William Baloyi said that during December 640 incidents were captured on the cameras, leading to 45 arrests. Thanks to the cameras, 129 tickets were issued for driving offences and illegal parking.
Two car thieves were caught redhanded at the corner of Queen and Church streets while three suspects were nabbed for robbery at the corner of Prinsloo and Struben streets.
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Police arrested 24 people on drug-related charges and 22 for drinking in public.
'They can respond quickly to calls and apprehend criminals' "We have 68 cameras and we are negotiating with business and CIDs (city improvement districts) to expand the coverage," said Baloyi.
He said that in December new recruits had been deployed in the city to allow a speedy response to incidents captured on camera.
Dikeledi Lehobye, mayoral committee member responsible for community safety and emergency services, said the surveillance cameras had helped in the fight against crime.
The council was now negotiating with businesses and others to extend the surveillance camera network to Arcadia and Sunnyside. Lehobye said Metro Police officers were patrolling the city's streets, especially at night.
"They can respond quickly to calls and apprehend criminals."
By studying the tapes, the police could establish crime patterns, and this too was another advantage.
The cameras also allowed those monitoring to despatch help to people needing medical attention.
Advocate Salim Yousuf, president of the Tshwane Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there had been a noticeable decrease in crime in the areas under surveillance.
Yousuf said the chamber was looking into the possibility of integrating surveillance cameras at shopping complexes with those in public areas.
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This article was originally published on page 1 of Pretoria News on January 21, 2008
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