Newark and Sherwood District Council install improved CCTV cameras at Cleveland Square to combat anti-social behaviour

New high-definition CCTV cameras have been installed to help protect a park from anti-social behaviour.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has introduced a comprehensive package to improve the district’s CCTV with the aim of continuing to drive down rates of anti-social behaviour, and the latest area to benefit from the upgrade is Cleveland Square, Newark.

Paul Taylor, portfolio holder for public protection and community relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “The improved quality of image we now get at Cleveland Square will really help us tackle anti-social behaviour, thus protecting our beautiful play park there for the benefit of our local residents.

“The old cameras offered a certain amount of security, however with the improved picture quality, we now stand a better chance of identifying anyone guilty of anti-social behaviour.”

The improvement in CCTV at anti-social behaviour hotspots have helped to drive down rates of anti-social behaviour across the district.

Latest figures show a reduction of 23% year on year with the overall rate down 11% across the financial year, 2023 to 2024, in the November 2023 Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood Community Safety Performance Report and Anti-social Behaviour Assessment.

The council has committed to a comprehensive CCTV camera replacement programme to enhance the quality, quantity and reliability of its 24-hour network of over 70 cameras.

“We want to work closely with residents and local communities. So, when incidents of anti-social behaviour are reported to us, we can act quickly to stop them. We now stand an even better chance to track down and bring the offenders to justice. By being able to deliver better evidence and working very closely with our partners, we want to see the downward trend in anti-social behaviour continue,” added Mr Taylor.

Other activities to reduce anti-social behaviour in the district include investment in safety and security measures in Balderton through the Safer Streets project, expansion of the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Community Safety Events for residents to speak directly with the council and police officers, and injunctions and criminal behaviour orders for recurring or serious cases.