New £60,000 CCTV project set up in Wrexham as part of police initiative

Newly-installed cameras have been sited in Rhosddu and Pen y Bryn as part of the ongoing ‘Safer Streets’ initiative.

The collaborative scheme has been led by North Wales Police and Wrexham County Borough Council in a bid to improve public safety.

Inspector Claire McGrady has overseen the CCTV project, which has cost approximately £60,000 to implement.

She said: “Throughout the Safer Streets scheme we’ve worked hard with our partner agencies to address all aspects of the night-time economy in Wrexham.

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“The cameras are now linked with the existing network, with further live links to be installed in the Hightown area in the weeks ahead.

“These areas have been selected through analysis of crime data an identifying where crimes such as assaults and thefts are more likely to occur.

“Broader CCTV coverage should provide a strong deterrent to anyone intent on committing these types of crime, which have no place at all in Wrexham.”

Other key elements of the Safer Streets project include: the recruitment of first aid-trained street marshals, increased patrols throughout the town centre, improved streetlighting provision, the clearing of public walking routes through hedge and undergrowth cutting, and training for licensees that helps them identify vulnerable individuals.

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These measures have all been prompted by detailed scrutiny of crime data and have been informed by consultative public surveys.

Insp McGrady added: “The data told us where offences were taking place and you told us through the survey that you didn’t feel safe on the streets.

“We listened and with partner agencies we are working together to improve areas of the town for all with new cameras and street lighting.

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“I want visitors to Wrexham to feel safe and to enjoy their experience whether it is during the day enjoying our retail premises or at night around the town’s restaurants and bars.

“Taking the steps we have will certainly help us in achieving that aim.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said, “CCTV is extremely effective in helping visitors to feel safe in Wrexham and to deterring individuals from behaving badly.

Cllr Hugh Jones

“The Safer Streets campaign is very successful and has seen several initiatives which all add to a feeling of security, in particular ensuring women feel safe and are safe.”