CCTV in South Bucks

Since 1998 South Bucks District Council has considered the use of CCTV in the towns and villages.

In 2002 Beaconsfield Town Council switched on its own CCTV system covering Beaconsfield Old and New Towns and parts of Holtspur.

The cameras are monitored by the CCTV suite at Wycombe District Council they provide the monitoring recording and data protection required by law for any public CCTV system in South Bucks.

In 2003 South Bucks District Council reviewed the CCTV systems in existence in the district and developed a CCTV strategy and Implementation plan which considered all the latest technology including Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology (ANPR)

The cameras are part of a joint initiative that has taken considerable funding and negotiation between South Bucks District Council, Thames Valley Police and Wycombe District Council.

These new cameras help detect crime and anti-social behaviour in 'hot spots' across the District.
South Bucks District Council's Portfolio Holder for Community, Cllr. Shorne Tilbey says: "CCTV is only part of the solution to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. It is the responsibility of every resident or visitor to contact the police and report any crime or act of anti-social behaviour."

South Bucks Local Police Area Commander Chief Inspector Paul Cook said: "CCTV is a very useful system in the fight against crime and disorder. I would urge local residents and visitors to report any incidents of crime, vandalism or anti-social behaviour to us on either 999 or our non-emergency number 08458 505 505. The CCTV and ANPR cameras act as a deterrent to potential offenders, should reassure local residents and will greatly assist Thames Valley Police in reducing and detecting crime."

The cameras are monitored 24hours a day, 7 days a week by officers working at the CCTV control room in High Wycombe, when the system was installed Wycombe District Council Chairman, Cllr Doug Anson, commented: "We are delighted that by working in partnership the CCTV service has been able to extend it's coverage over the South Bucks area. The confidence that South Bucks has with the monitoring of their cameras can be supported by the Control room having a Gold Accreditation Award in recognition for commitment to excellence and outstanding achievement in the development, management and operation of the town centre CCTV systems."