A new high-tech weapon is being used by council chiefs in a bid to clampdown on people who are ruining efforts to keep Hartlepool clean and tidy.
Covert CCTV cameras are now operational, allowing members of the Council’s Environmental Action Team to remotely monitor areas of the town affected by fly-tipping, graffiti, dog fouling, littering and fly-posting.
The cameras, some small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and capable of filming at night, produce high-resolution pictures which can be used as evidence in court cases.
They are currently able to relay live pictures to a lap-top computer, and, in the future, it is hoped to be able to beam images directly to Environmental Action Team members’ hand-held computers – ensuring a swift response to any problems.
Craig Thelwell, the Council’s Environmental Action Manager, said: “We have purchased nine cameras at a cost of around £15,000, and we expect them to prove their worth in no time at all.
“Our staff resources are limited, and these cameras mean that we are now able to monitor various parts of the town around the clock. We can move them around at will to target areas where particular problems are known to be occurring
“As well as enabling us to gather evidence against offenders, the cameras also have a deterrent value as people may be less willing to break the law if they know there is a risk of being caught in the act.”
The cameras are set to play a vital role in ensuring that efforts to improve Hartlepool’s image in recent years aren’t wasted.
Mr Thelwell added: “The town has improved so much in recent years and we are now an established tourist destination. We don’t want piles of dumped rubbish, graffiti, litter and dog dirt to ruin the progress we have made.
“We want law-breakers to be in no doubt that we are not prepared to tolerate their behaviour, and the use of these cameras reflects our determination.”
Issued by Steve Hilton, Assistant Public Relations Officer, on (01429) 284065.