Safer Streets 5 finances new CCTV system and enforcement officers

In three months, the new camera system supported 559 incidents with Humberside Police using the footage in relation to 113 crimes.

Safer Streets 5 is an initiative in Grimsby town centre ran by North East Lincolnshire Council and police to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), making the town centre a more comfortable place to visit.

Theft has been reduced by 8% and robbery by 43%. In St. James’ Square alone, there was a drop in alcohol related ASB by 88% and a reduction of 35% in the Town Centre.

A new £2.2 million security system has proved helpful to EQUANS CCTV team and Humberside Police when tackling crime in the area. In three months, cameras supported 559 incidents with Humberside Police using the footage in relation to 113 crimes.

Safer Streets 5 has also funded an additional CCTV officer, dedicated to supporting the Town Centre to assist Waste Investigation Support Enforcement (WISE) officers and Safer Streets Ambassadors working on the ground and as additional support alongside Humberside Police during any crime or ASB.

Safer Streets Ambassadors have also been working from 4pm until the early hours of the morning on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the town centre to help with safety issues arising from the night time economy.

The team have been helping vulnerable people and those in need by administering first aid or walking people to their taxis.

Between December 2023 and August 2024, they have engaged with 2,812 people and supported in 153 incidents.

Since their inception in March 2024, teams from Humberside Police and Enforcement Officers have arrested 13 people and issued 46 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for breaching Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “We will continue to carry out our Days of Action and use the CCTV system to help as much as we can across the town centre. The public mandate for a safer town centre has been paramount in the approach to policing and enforcement in our shopping areas.

Local Neighbourhood Inspector Claire Jacobs of Humberside Police added: “We are delighted to see the impact that Safer Streets 5 is already making on our area and I am excited to see what the future holds for the scheme.”