The CCTV system which is currently installed on a mast at Truro Police Station will be withdrawn when the station is demolished early next year to provide space for 56 retirement flats. There is a total of £75,000 needed to replace the CCTV system which Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they will not pay, and the council is not expected to fund the CCTV system after the beginning of April next year. It has been reported that Inspector Mark Richard said that the lack of CCTV in Truro will ‘massively’ affect policing.

Councillor Bert Biscoe, speaking out against the demolition of the station said, “The CCTV system is essential in maintaining order of the economy at night. It is simply just one of the many concerns, highlighting the lack of thought which was placed into this decision to demolish such an important piece of community infrastructure.”

Alarm Systems’ experts in commercial security systems closely follow the industry news and were interested to see the recent decision to withdraw CCTV coverage from the City Centre. A company representative gave advice and offered their thoughts to what business owners should do to overcome this problem.

“A number of announcements over recent months have stated that several towns and city centres are withdrawing their CCTV coverage and Truro is the latest to be confirmed to date. Therefore, it is becoming more important for businesses to have their own CCTV systems installed into there premises to help offer security to their premises but also to members of the public.

CCTV is vital in helping offer security in any area as it acts as a crime preventative measure. The systems help monitor and prevent anti-social behaviour occurring as well as any acts of vandalism. Also, the clear footage can be used in the unfortunate case of a crime by helping to provide important information which could assist police with their enquiries.”