How CCTV cameras help combat urban crime

CCTV cameras are becoming more and more ubiquitous in public spaces in the UK and around the world, but what does this increased surveillance mean for crime rates? Is there a correlation between the two, with the cities with the most CCTV cameras seeing the lowest incidence of crime?

According to the graph on this page, yes, it would appear that the cities with the most CCTV cameras per capita (the highest being in China) do have the lowest crime rates.

What could be causing this? It could be that the presence of CCTV cameras deters potential criminals from carrying out their plans in the first place. Or it could be that the footage captured by CCTV cameras helps law enforcement authorities to more quickly and efficiently solve crimes.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that there is a correlation between the number of CCTV cameras in a city and the crime rate. As CCTV cameras become increasingly common across UK towns and cities, we can expect to see a corresponding decrease in criminal activity.

How do CCTV cameras help reduce crime in the UK?

The United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of CCTV camera usage in the world, with an estimated 4 million CCTV cameras in operation throughout the country. That means there is 1 camera for every 14 people living in the UK.

Most of these CCTV devices are located in urban public areas, with London having the densest concentration of cameras. This is due to the high population density and also the higher crime rates associated with inner-city areas. London also has a very effective police force that works diligently to keep the city safe. In addition to traditional police patrols, the use of CCTV cameras has been shown to be an effective tool in deterring and reducing certain categories of mobile crime and antisocial behaviour, such as vehicle thefts, sexual assaults, muggings, and burglaries.

While CCTV cameras are not a panacea for all crime, they can be effective at combating crime in several ways:

1) Deterrent to potential criminals 

The presence of CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent to potential criminals, as they know that they are more likely to be caught and apprehended if they commit a crime in an area that is being monitored by CCTV cameras. This is especially true for crimes that are ‘spur-of-the-moment’, such as vandalism or graffiti, as the perpetrator will know that there is a greater chance they will be identified if they are caught on camera. 

2) Help police identify and apprehend criminals 

CCTV footage can be used by police to identify and apprehend criminals who have committed a range of offences. In many cases, the police would not have been able to solve the crime without the use of CCTV footage. 

3) Reduce the fear of crime among citizens 

The visible presence of CCTV cameras can also help to reduce the fear of crime among businesses and the general public, as they provide a stronger sense of security and reassurance that someone is watching over them and their property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is especially important in high-crime areas, where residents may feel unsafe walking or driving around at night or leaving their homes unoccupied during the day.

What next?

CCTV cameras play a vital role in combating crime in urban areas in the UK. Increasingly, static and redeployable cameras are used by private businesses and residents’ associations, as well as police forces and local authorities, to provide an additional level of surveillance and security on their premises, and aid in the resolution of crimes committed in the area. To find out more about how advanced CCTV hardware can help improve the safety and security of your business, please call today for an initial discussion of your requirements.

Image Source: Pexels

Written by Paul Carter on December 28, 2022 10:00 am