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McLeish launches Central Edinburgh CCTV
29/06/1998
A new CCTV scheme in central Edinburgh will further protect the public's right to live their lives free from the fear of crime, according to Scottish Home Affairs Minister Henry McLeish.
Speaking today at the launch of the £270,000 central Edinburgh CCTV scheme, Mr McLeish said:
"CCTV has a crucial role to play in the Government's radical new agenda on community safety. One of the most significant contributions we have made to the safety of people and property in our communities is our substantial investment in CCTV schemes across Scotland. A total of 85 projects have now been awarded Scottish Office grants amounting to almost £5.5 million, including the system here in central Edinburgh.
"This project would not have been possible without the support of the local authorities, the private sector and the backing of the police. I would especially like to congratulate these bodies today on their successful partnership approach to removing crime and the fear of crime from the streets of central Edinburgh. It is clear that the combined efforts of all those involved in making this system a reality will be a tremendous aid to the policing of the city centre. This innovative pooling of resources will bring many benefits to the community.
"CCTV has undoubtedly proved to be a major force in the fight against crime. A recent study by the University of Abertay has highlighted the effectiveness of the system in Dundee, for example, where the system has had an impact particularly on car crime, theft and vandalism. The report demonstrates a drop of 27 per cent in the level of recorded crimes since the introduction of the system in October 1997.
"This event today is about acknowledging the great advances which Edinburgh is making towards crime prevention. I have no doubt that the formation of the City in View Association will provide real benefits in reducing crime and the fear of crime and will make a valuable contribution to building a safer Scotland for us all."
BACKGROUND
1. Since the launch of the CCTV Challenge Competition in 1995, 85 projects have been awarded grants amounting to almost £5.5 million. A further £1.5 million has been made available for the 1999 - 2000 round, for which bids are invited by the end of October 1998 (news release 1103/98 refers).
2. The central Edinburgh CCTV scheme has received a total of £135,000 from The Scottish Office. The scheme covers Princes Street, Lothian Road, Tollcross and the Grassmarket.
News Release: 1351/98
29 June 1998