CCTV plea in bid to target drunks on Smallthorne estate
FAMILIES are campaigning for CCTV cameras to be installed in their street after a spate of vandal attacks on cars.
Home-owners in Community Drive, Smallthorne, say drunken youths passing through their estate have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
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FED UP: Community Drive resident Gareth Abbotts with the damage done to his car in the latest vandal attack. Picture: Neil Hulse
Despite pleas from residents to combat the anti-social behaviour with CCTV cameras, they were told that other areas are in greater need.
But police have now revealed they are considering using mobile CCTV in the area and have also stepped up patrols.
Gareth Abbotts, aged 30, has lived on the street all his life and contacted police calling for the cameras to be installed.
He said: "The police should be listening to residents and installing CCTV, even if it is just for a trial period.
"I want to know what's the difference between Smallthorne and any other place.
"We know that crime in the area is on the increase so how can it ever be a better place? My wife and I have even considered leaving the area because of the damage to our car.
"It seems to me that police resources are being pulled from local communities and being focused on the town centres, but we need help tackling these issues too."
In the latest incident on January 27, Gareth had the passenger side of his car kicked in by a youth on the estate.
And there have also been reports of vehicles being scratched and stones thrown at the windows.
Gareth added: "I have been told by the police that Smallthorne is now a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and burglary so we need cameras as much as anywhere else."
A camera box has been installed on the corner of Norton cricket club but residents are still waiting for a camera to be fitted.
Mother-of-two Dawn Pyatt, aged 44, has also had her car targeted by yobs.
The financial worker said: "It has been damaged four times. We have had it broken into and the stereo stolen. It is very intimidating when they are walking around with cans and I don't let either of my children out on the street.
"I think the cameras would help and hopefully it would make them think before any damage is done."
Gareth's mum Pamela Abbotts, aged 64, believes the cameras would send out the right message to the vandals.
The retired pub worker said: "Putting up cameras would show we will not tolerate this behaviour in Smallthorne.
"People have worked hard to make a living and keep a car, so it is such a shame when they just get smashed up."
Sergeant John Hazeldine said: "Officers are currently investigating a report of damage to a vehicle in Community Drive received on January 27.
"High-visibility patrols in the area have been stepped up to reassure residents and we are looking into the possibility of utilising mobile CCTV to act as a deterrent against such behaviour."
6 Comments
by Alberus
Saturday, February 11 2012, 5:07PM
“Send all kids to boot camp at 14, get some burly ex-sergeants bawling at them 24/7, Get them off their silly idle asses and doing 8 hours of hard graft every day for 6 months. Knock the stupid silly grins off their faces, then after 2 years of this, send them home crying their little eyes out to their useless parents. If this doesn't work, repeat the above until they show some improvement. Then we can scrap our useless CCTV systems and maybe enjoy a civilised existence. Some bloody hope?”
by Bazaman
Saturday, February 11 2012, 12:30AM
“I am all for it!!! Decide how many houses will benefit from it. Take the total cost of the purchase of these cameras plus the running costs and add it to their areas council tax. Let them pay for it!”
by stevenweiss
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:26PM
“CCTV rarely prevents crime, it just makes it a little cheaper for the police to identify the culprits and then do nothing about it. Real police with big sticks and handcuffs are the only way to dissuade drunken vandals doing this sort of filthy practice. The last thing on drunkards' minds as they sway up the street is the position of spy cameras. Hoodies and hats with ear-flaps are all the rage at the moment and no type of zoom lens operated by the sharpest council worker will stop the cars being wrecked.
Maybe the residents should chip-in and rent a burly security guard with a burly alsatian. More effective than a 5ft 2in lady PCSO or some japanese camera on a 20 foot pole.”
by yamahaman
Friday, February 10 2012, 5:46PM
“Nice to see" high visability patrols have been stepped up" I think I may have heard that phrase before, its the normal answer to any problem. With the ongoing reduction in police officers, I fear for the future, but please stop the bull and look at the problem.”
by nelsonl
Thursday, February 09 2012, 2:35PM
“graham44d if the same did buy the cameras and show the evidence to the police theyd most probably say "we cant make them out properly"
Ive seen all this on crime shows when families have been terrorised and its been on cctv and its quite clear to see who the culprits are but the police dont do a thing.
the whole yob culture is so far out or hand there is nothing you can do. they are nothing but scum, and i hope karma gets its revenge when they grow older and have houses or cars of their own.
nowadays you have two choices
1- sit in phone the police and get nothing done as by time the police arrive the culprits have gone and are more than likely tucked up in bed
or
2-go outside and challenge them, where you face getting voilently assaulted or killed, or prosecuted for beating the **** out of them for damaging your property.
a no win situation once again, and to prove the streets of britain are now not a safe place to be. 30 year ago kids wouldnt dare to do half of what todays morons do, if my parents caught me behaving like that theyd of turned me in to the police themselves.
yet nowadays no-one seems to give a damn on whats going on, i dont blame the parents, i blame how stupid policital correctness has played its part on protecting these brats, because if you did approach them they play the same card all the time "touch me and i will call the police".
"ok i wont touch you, just carry on smashing my car to bits and when you want another beer let me know and i will go the off license for you :(”
by graham44d
Thursday, February 09 2012, 10:33AM
“Why not go and buy your own D.I.Y cctv from argos and fit then pointing at your car.........I'm sure once the yobs clock the camera they would leave well alone and if not well agleast you have the evidence to give the police.”