CCTV to stop yobs (From Penarth Times)

CCTV to stop yobs

PENARTH police hope the introduction of a £30,000 state-of-the-art CCTV system will end a vandalism nightmare at Penarth Leisure - that has cost taxpayers more than £300,000 in just three years.

Acting inspector Mike George of Penarth Police said: "We wholeheartedly welcome the introduction of this new system.

"We believe it is a big step towards creating a safe and secure environment for leisure centre users.

"The leisure centre has been plagued with problems of car crime, vandalism and serious incidents of youth annoyance for a long time.

"Hopefully, this system will help us to stamp this out for good."

The closed circuit television technology has been installed by the Safer Vale Partnership with the help of a funding contribution from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Interior and exterior CCTV cameras will help monitor various areas in and around the centre.

Leisure centre manager Scott Murray said: "It is anticipated that we will be able to record incidents and, along with the police, take appropriate action where necessary.

"This will ensure that innocent members of the public are further protected, and staff can feel reassured that additional safety measures have been implemented."

Ten cameras will monitor the car park and other exterior areas, while, inside the centre, a further 20 cameras have been strategically placed.

They will hopefully act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour, vandalism and petty crime.

Cllr Lis Burnett said: "I am delighted that this long-awaited scheme has finally been introduced.

"It has been a long time coming but hopefully it will provide the solution we"re looking for and make the centre a safe place for users to enjoy the leisure facilities."