Better CCTV coverage on way for parts of St Peter Port

It comes as Guernsey Police looks to improve the coverage.

Notices with exact plans are going up at the Crown Pier, the High Street, La Vallette, Salerie Corner, Le Tourgand on North Plantation, and around St James’ Chambers and the Sunken Gardens. A notice will also go up on Northside on the Bridge.

Seven of the sites are for improvement/replacement cameras, while one will be a new installation.

These locations are the first phase of a CCTV review and other areas will be considered for upgrades.

‘Our CCTV coordinator is liaising with people living near some of the proposed sites, however funding for the new cameras has already been received,’ a Guernsey Police spokesman said.

‘The locations identified have all been considered either blind spots, or spots with outdated equipment, and it is hoped that by improving the CCTV in these places we will be able to better protect the community.

‘We recently conducted a survey around offences in the night-time economy, which we intend to publish the full results of soon. However one of the key pieces of feedback was that people would feel safer if CCTV coverage was improved.

‘This upgrade hits key areas around St Peter Port, and will both allow officers to monitor areas if there are any concerns, and also gather strong evidence if an offence is committed.’

In total there would be 19 new cameras, with multiple cameras at some sites, with a combination of static and pan tilt zoom cameras.

The cameras record in colour. This is, however, dependent on the light conditions, and the cameras switch automatically to film at night to produce the best image possible.

Installation is expected to take place in September or October.

CCTV cameras are managed by Home Affairs and monitored by the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre.

All data usage will always be in compliance with the Guernsey Data Protection Law.

Footage is kept for 31 days, unless it is captured/downloaded for lawful purposes and retained.