CCTV in Lancashire domestic violence victims' homes plan

CCTV in Lancashire domestic violence victims' homes plan

Police are considering plans to install surveillance cameras in the homes of victims of domestic violence.

Lancashire Police, the county council and support groups are consulting on proposals to use CCTV to deter repeat offenders.

The county council has granted £34,000 towards a package of measures that includes the cameras, alarms and GPS technology.

Det Supt Ian Critchley, said domestic abuse was an "absolute priority".

Police said the plans for the cameras, which would be installed with the knowledge of those living at the address, were at an early stage and that support groups were being consulted.
'Vulnerable victims'

Under the proposals, people considered a high risk will also receive mobile attack alarms and victims will also be interviewed by police in safer locations.

Det Supt Critchley added: "We strive to ensure we provide the best evidence to the courts through for example increased use of police bodycams."

Vivien Blackledge, from Women's Aid in Blackburn, welcomed the plan saying that in East Lancashire there had been an 11% rise in reported incidents in the first two months of 2011 compared to 2010.

She said: "Any initiative that's proactive and assists victims to report incidents is to be welcomed."

"It may also offer them some confidence in the fact that agencies do take their stories seriously and that measures are there to protect them."

Mike Calvert, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community services, said: "The measures will help to ensure the trauma experienced by the most vulnerable victims is kept to an absolute minimum."

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