Review into dated CCTV system covering Leighton Buzzard

Central Beds Council has received a draft consultant’s report looking at the possibility of upgrading the old cameras to provide better image quality and using WiFi technology which would reduce operating costs.

But the LBO understands there are serious doubts about whether the council will be able to find the finance to make the changes to the legacy system it inherited from the former South Beds District Council.

The authority runs about 90 cameras from its Dunstable control room, 25 of which cover Leighton Buzzard.

Central Beds officers have provided several verbal updates to Leighton-Linslade Town Council on the way forward in recent months.

A summary of a recent visit from CBC’s Steve Barrett, reads: “At over ten years of age, the equipment is now fairly dated.

“A full review is underway to determined options for taking CCTV forward, for example using wireless technology and High Definition cameras.”

The summary adds that recommendations would be presented to CBC during the current financial year “but that as the project potentially represented a significant investment, the scope and timescale of any future changes were as yet unknown”.

Although the current CCTV system is at capacity, it is still possible for the control room to monitor new redeployable cameras on a 3G signal. The town council is now considering purchasing two such cameras, however they cannot be instantly relocated in response to issues, taking about a week to put in place with correct signage.

A spokesman for Central Beds Council told the LBO it was in the “early stages” of reviewing its current CCTV infrastructure. He added: “That review is considering options that new technology could bring to our existing CCTV provision including how it may help to reduce costs.

“The current system has had some upgrades and camera replacements since it was first installed but the review will also consider how the system may need upgrading.

“Our CCTV already provides images that inform and support prosecutions however technological advancements in CCTV does offer the opportunity to enhance the quality of evidential images.

“The review will look at potential costs of improvements and these will inform discussions on budget availability.”

A Beds Police spokesman said: “As a force we work closely with local authorities, as well as private businesses and individuals, to seek out all CCTV evidence of criminality and also have a real-time feed of council cameras into our Force Control Room.

“We welcome any initiative to improve the provision of CCTV as it plays an important role in fighting crime and tackling antisocial behaviour.

“Across Bedfordshire we have an excellent relationship with our partners in requesting CCTV and will continue to work together to protect people going forward.”