A network of CCTV refuge points equipped with 'panic buttons' have been installed in a Nottinghamshire town to help improve safety. The equipment has been installed across Worksop and will monitor the areas 24/7.
Members of the public are able to use a 'panic button' to instantly alert CCTV control room staff when they feel at risk or threatened, who can then relay the call to the police. Operators will be able to risk assess the scene using the camera and determine what help is needed.
Primarily aimed at improving the safety of women and girls, the technology has been fitted to poles painted white to make them more conspicuous to members of the public requiring help and are now fully operational.
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The project comes from a collaboration between Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Caroline Henry, Bassetlaw District Council and CCTV firm SSC Specialist Security Ltd. "These refuge points open the door to a new mode of support for anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable or threatening situation," said Mrs Henry.
"We will be carefully evaluating these resources over the coming months in a continued effort to improve the response to local people. I would like to thank our partners at Bassetlaw District Council for driving these improvements forward against a challenging timescale and helping to make Worksop a safer place for all."
Councillor Julie Leigh, cabinet member for neighbourhoods at the district council, added: "For many women and girls, making the most routine journeys for work, socialising or exercise can sometimes be a challenging and uncertain experience. We hope that these refuge cameras give everyone more confidence on our streets and also act as a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour."
Where the refuge points can be found:
- Newcastle Ave/Stubbing Lane area
- Opposite McDonalds High Hoe/Bracebridge/Retford Road junction
- Babbage way/B&Q
- Carlton Rd/Collage/Blyth Rd Gatehouse/Priory Gardens/Cheapside
