Rumours that the Council has turned off CCTV cameras are untrue, the Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety reassured residents this week.

The Council owns 79 CCTV cameras across the borough which view and monitor activity in public spaces, transmitting to the Council’s 24/7 control room.

The cameras aim to discourage all types of criminal activity in the area and assist the police in proving a swift response to criminal and anti- social activity.

Over the past few weeks there have been a number of concerns raised by residents regarding the Council’s use of CCTV cameras.

Rumours include the Council allegedly turning off cameras to ‘save money’ and ‘save power’.

However, the Council can confirm that this isn’t true. At the full Council meeting this week (January 22) Cllr Liz Jaeger, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, confirmed that all Council owned cameras are operational, recording 24 hours a day.

In addition, the Council regularly works with the police about using ‘Rapid Deployment cameras’ to ensure that crime / antisocial behaviour hotspots are targeted.

Cllr Liz Jaeger, said: “I know that CCTV not only acts as a deterrent to criminals but also acts as a reassurance to local people. Any suggestion that the Council is switching off cameras is simply untrue.

“CCTV is a vital component in making our borough safe. And we work closely with the police to ensure that when there is a particular hotspot we can redeploy cameras where they are most needed.

“However, it is also important to reiterate that CCTV does not cover the whole borough. And indeed a camera can only pick up what it is pointing at.

"When it comes to fighting crime, the most important thing is that we don’t make our property and personal belongings an easy target for thieves.

"Making sure that our bikes are marked and locked, we don’t leave valuable items on the back seats of our cars and our homes are secure as a minimum.

“We will continue to work with the Police to fight crime and provide residents and businesses with support to make their property and belongings safe. CCTV is just one component.”