Blackwood receives CCTV upgrade thanks to Safer Streets scheme

EIGHTEEN new CCTV cameras have been installed in Blackwood as Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council join forces to tackle neighbourhood crime.

Work to improve Blackwood town centre’s CCTV infrastructure was completed recently.

Eighteen new digital cameras – installed by Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) in areas including the town centre, the bus station, High Street car park and more – replace older equipment previously used in the town and promise to bring higher quality images and greater coverage.

The work, delivered as part of Gwent Police’s Safer Streets initiative, aims to deter neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), and assist officers carrying out investigations in the area.

Earlier this year, the force was awarded almost £750,000 in additional funding to tackle ASB and neighbourhood crimes like burglary and theft across six areas in Gwent – Alway, Blackwood, Brynmawr, Caldicot, Cwmbran and Tredegar.

(Cllr Leonard and Insp Petty)

Officers delivering the project have recently been giving out free crime prevention equipment and advice to residents in these areas, while youth intervention initiatives aiming to inspire young people to steer clear of crime are being rolled out in Alway and Cwmbran.

Partners at CCBC will monitor the CCTV network in Blackwood 24/7, and report directly to the police during emergencies.

Chief Inspector Hannah Lawton said:

“Everyone should feel safe where they live and work and we hope the installation of these new cameras in Blackwood reassures the community that both the police and the local authority are working together to deter and prevent crime, and actively identify anyone intent on committing an offence.

“The new cameras, which have infrared capability and provide images of a higher quality than before now, will act as an extra deterrent to people thinking of getting involved in any criminal or anti-social behaviour and increase our ability to gather crucial evidence when an offence happens.

“I am grateful for the ongoing positive partnership with the council to ensure local people benefit from the Safer Streets scheme.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said:

“This project represents the result of many months of partnership work between my office, Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

“I am delighted to see the money from the Safer Streets fund is already making a difference, and this enhanced CCTV will be a valuable tool for Gwent Police to help keep residents and businesses in Blackwood safe.”

Councillor Philippa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Planning & Public Protection said:

“We are very happy to announce the installation of eighteen new cameras throughout Blackwood. We are confident that new cameras will work to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, so that the area can remain a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We would like to thank Gwent Police for their help with the project and their continued partnership.”

For more on the force’s work to protect Gwent’s communities from neighbourhood crime, visit https://www.gwent.police.uk/police-forces/gwent-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2021/safer-streets/.