The Safer Croydon Partnership has installed three temporary CCTV cameras in Croydon town centre and a second temporary camera in Shrublands to help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.
The town centre cameras are located outside McDonald’s in North End; in Oakfield Road, West Croydon; and in Katharine Street.
Their placement is part of a wider partnership programme between the council, police, youth outreach teams and the voluntary sector, aimed at helping to stop serious youth violence, and to reduce drug and gang activity.
The additional camera in Shrublands has been placed in Broom Road to help reduce crime and antisocial behaviour on the estate.
Concerned residents called for the cameras after witnessing drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and assaults, and experiencing intimidation when using their local shops.
Croydon Council’s head of community safety, Anthony Lewis, said: “Public safety is our priority – the cameras will be moved around the borough as needed to reassure residents and to help deter crime.”
The new cameras are four of 10 that are being deployed (initially for three months) to boost the council and partners’ ability to cover hotspot areas not covered by the existing fixed CCTV network.
A deployable camera has also been installed in Green Lane, Upper Norwood, after residents witnessed drug dealing, assault and antisocial behaviour in their area. The camera’s presence has stopped groups lingering outside the main shopping area, which residents found intimidating.
The council is continuing to work with partners and the public to identify other areas that temporary cameras could be deployed.
