WE WALK past them every day, but how many of us even notice them – CCTVs. Ross is currently one of four areas (including Hereford, Ledbury and Leominster) that has CCTV Coverage. Safer Herefordshire that provides the service on behalf of West Mercia Police has just produced its quartlerly report (April 1st 2011 to June 30th 2011) and it demonstrates the important work performed on a daily basis by Herefordshire CCTV. The CCTV Control Room actively records the times of all monitored incidents in Ross.

A total of 103 incidents were observed by the CCTV operators in that period in Ross. During the same period there were over 800 in Hereford and over 160 in Leominster. Incidents seen in Ross included anti-social behaviour, attempted theft, drinking, drunkeness, fighting, suspicious behaviour, theft from retailers and more.

Incidents that registered the most by the operators included suspicious behaviour, disturbance and anti-social behaviour. Two examples of CCTV in action over the last quarter include: a retailer contacted the CCTV control room via Retail Radio to advise that two males and a female were aggressively begging outside their premises. The operator was able to identify one of the males and reported the situation to the Police Call Takers. Police attended the scene and removed the group from the town centre.

On another occasion, a group of males were seen drinking alcohol near the Market Place. The CCTV Operator informed the local Police Officers via the Retail Radio, who attended the scene and spoke to the males before confiscating their alcohol.

And finally, a routine camera patrol noticed three males urinating in the street. The CCTV directed the Police Officers towards the group, who had moved location, where they spoke to the individuals in question. CCTV footage was also taken of the incident for future evidence.

It is worth noting that CCTV isn't always about monitoring anti-social or criminal behaviour. It can play an important role in looking after an individuals welfare, for example, or tracing missing people and keeping the streets of Ross safe.