On-street cameras with SOS help points have been launched in Scunthorpe town centre to allow people in distress to connect with Scunthorpe security control centre at the push of a button.
Five CCTV re-deployable dome cameras with audio address and a two-way control panel have been installed on West Street and Frances Street. The further three cameras will go live in the New Year on Frodingham Road/Digby Street, Britannia Corner and The Parishes.
North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is leading the project with funding from Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Pushing a ‘button’ on the help point initiates a response. The control centre and Humberside Police can remotely access the cameras, issue audio warnings, speak to those needing help to provide support and assistance while also gathering high quality video evidence (if required).
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“The new help points are an innovative way to help protect our residents in North Lincolnshire and reduce criminal activity. If anyone feels like they are in danger or in a vulnerable situation, these help points will provide that reassurance that help is available at the touch of a button. Our security control centre, working with the police, will respond to keep people safe.
“No one should feel unsafe in their community, and we want to ensure people are kept safe and well when they are out and about. This project supports the Safer Nights North Lincolnshire campaign, and we are working with the night time economy to help roll it out.
“North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership is making great strides in protecting our communities in North Lincolnshire.”
Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said:
“This is the first time that surveillance cameras have been developed in this way in Humberside, and we are proud to be making it happen here in Scunthorpe. The help point is an all-in-one SOS system that is specifically designed to reduce concerns over street crimes such as assaults, robbery, gang crimes, safeguarding vulnerable people and crimes against women and girls.
“Effectively, this technology allows anyone to make a live, video-recorded SOS call to CCTV control room staff and police staff if they find themselves feeling unsafe or vulnerable. This ensures people receive advice and support before any potential crime has been committed. Activating the help point will immediately enable operators to risk assess the scene via CCTV to secure evidence, determine what help is needed, dispatch the appropriate police response, and provide reassurance to the caller. These will have a significant impact on the safety of women and girls in Scunthorpe.
“This is just one of the many projects the Humberside PCC and North Lincolnshire CSP are implementing as part of their delivery plans, Serious Violence Duty and Safer Nights NL Campaign. The CSP will continue to work closely with partners to deliver initiatives that reassure residents that Scunthorpe is a safe place to live, work and visit. I am really pleased to have provided the funding to North Lincolnshire Council for the new SOS systems. This project allows the residents and visitors to quickly access help if they need it. It is important that residents feel safe, especially in the night time economy.”
Chief Inspector Gary Foster, Humberside Police, said:
“This new system is an example of the commitment shown by the local authority, the police and OPCC, to ensure patrons in the night time economy and the wider public feel safe and have additional support available to them. The recent launch of our Safer Nights North Lincolnshire strategy has received widespread support from licensees, and we look forward to working with them to implement the agreed measures.”
The launch follows the first Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Conference in North Lincolnshire which was held earlier this year. The event saw approximately 500 people attend to talk about the importance of the VAWG agenda, understanding what this looks like in North Lincolnshire as well as advice and support from partners including Humberside Police, Hollie Guard and Dr Jessica Taylor (Founder of Victim Focus).
Businesses and workers from Scunthorpe’s night time economy sector recently signed up to the Safer Nights NL charter following a launch event that attracted 140 delegates to The Baths Hall.
Attendees at the event, which was organised by the North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership, included licensees, door and security workers, taxi drivers and bar staff.
The North Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) includes North Lincolnshire Council, Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, Ongo, the National Probation Service, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB and the Police and Crime Commissioner
For more information and to view the SOS help point video. Please visit our website at Safer Nights – North Lincolnshire Council (northlincs.gov.uk) or contact us via email communitysafetypartnership@northlincs.gov.uk.
Pictured (left to right): Danny Harsley, Videcom, Jonathan Evison, Police and Crime Commissioner, Tracey Coyne, Community Safety Partnership Manager, Cllr John Davidson and Holly Mumby Croft, Scunthorpe MP.
