CCTV cameras are set to be installed in St Albans’ biggest park just weeks after a teenager was brutally attacked.
St Alban District Council is installing cameras at three locations in Verulamium Park to make it easier to monitor what is going on and make the park safe for visitors.
The CCTV cameras will be operational 24/7 and monitored from the council’s central control room where other parts of the city are covered.
If an operator spots any antisocial behaviour or suspicious activity, they will alert the police so that they can respond immediately.
Earlier this month, a 15-year-old boy was punched and kicked by a group of up to 12 boys in Verulamium Park, spurring his mother to campaign for a greater police presence in the park.
MORE: St Albans mum calls for more police in Verulamium park
Following the news CCTV will be installed, mum of the 15-year-old boy Kate Leather said: “I’m very encouraged by the response from our local council and the police, resulting in daily police patrols continuing over the summer and the addition of some much needed CCTV.
“It brings some reassurance to parents that their children can live their lives a little more safely in the park, and hopefully acts as a deterrent to those looking to take advantage.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who filled in the echo form, which has contributed to bringing about these improvements.”
St Albans Chief Inspector Mike Todd said: “Reducing anti-social behaviour through high visibility patrols of our green spaces is one of our current local priorities set through our priority-setting forums in partnership with our community.
“As lockdown eases, green spaces have seen increased usage and recently there have been a number of reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity in the park.
“In response, additional officers are tasked with high visibility patrols in partnership with SADC - these patrols are further supported by rangers.
“I very much welcome the addition of CCTV cameras, alongside our regular proactive police and partner patrols, to further help us take a firm stance against anyone who commits crime or anti-social behaviour.”
Councillor Jacqui Taylor, chairwoman of the housing and inclusion committee, said: “There has been some recent concern about antisocial behaviour and criminal activity in Verulamium Park.
“We are determined to work in partnership with the police to tackle that and the CCTV cameras will be a significant addition to those efforts.
“Our community protection team has considerable experience in overseeing the operation of CCTV systems and the expansion of our coverage into Verulamium Park will further help us maintain St Albans as a safe place.”
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