Latest CCTV unit is 37th to be installed in Horsham town centre

The unit, in Springfield Road off Albion Way, will be linked to the Haywards Heath police station CCTV hub where officers monitor crime and disorder across Sussex.

It has been installed to close a gap in coverage of the town which is now home to 37 cameras.

A spokesperson for the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership said: “This CCTV unit was installed as part of a planned expansion to the town centre network enabling this area to be proactively monitored by Sussex Police, which previously presented something of a gap in the overall coverage.

“As with the other Public Space CCTV cameras, the most recently installed unit is for community safety purposes to prevent and detect crime and disorder, with the aim of leading to increased feelings of confidence by residents and visitors.”

The latest www.police.uk crime statistics reveals a total of five incidents were reported to police in April 2013.

One of these was a violent crime still under investigation.

Another was a shoplifting incident resulting in the offender being issued a caution.

The remaining three were described as ‘other theft’, which includes bicycle theft or theft from a person.

Five incidents were reported in the previous month.

“The Horsham district is one of the safest places to visit in the UK,” continued the spokesperson.

“The new CCTV camera in Springfield Road in Horsham has been installed to complement the existing 36 camera public space CCTV network that covers Horsham town centre, operated in partnership between Horsham District Council and Sussex Police.

“The intention of the system is to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour, whilst providing reassurance to the community.

“The new Forward Vision Mic 400 camera has been funded jointly by Horsham District Council and Sussex Police, making use of funds seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.”

The cost of the camera, column and transmission equipment was £14,000.

Mandy Jones, manager at the Ark charity in Springfield Road, supports the new camera.

She told the County Times: “I think this is certainly an area where there is trouble some times.

“People congregate down by the fountain to drink, and we have noticed times where the police are called to this area.

“I can appreciate why they’re doing it and if it acts as a deterrent that’s good.”

Steph Le Petit tweeted the County Times: “A good thing in my opinion. The more the better, to discourage criminal/anti-social behaviour.”

Not everyone agrees, however. Dee Blick got in touch via social media to say: “Probably more CCTV cameras than there are criminals in Horsham!! Big brother has gone overboard!”